The Government of the People's Democratic
Republic of Algeria declares that it is prepared to apply the provisions of
this article on condition that they do not conflict with the provisions of the
Algerian Family Code.

Article 9, paragraph 2:

The Government of the People's Democratic
Republic of Algeria wishes to express its reservations concerning the
provisions of article 9, paragraph 2, which are incompatible with the
provisions of the Algerian Nationality code and the Algerian Family
Code.

The Algerian Nationality code allows a child
to take the nationality of the mother only when:

- the father is either unknown or
stateless;

- the child is born in
Algeria
to an Algerian mother and a foreign
father who was born in
Algeria
;

- moreover, a child born in Algeria to an
Algerian mother and a foreign father who was not born on Algerian territory
may, under article 26 of the Algerian Nationality Code, acquire the nationality
of the mother providing the Ministry of Justice does not object.

Article 41 of the Algerian Family Code
states that a child is affiliated to its father through legal
marriage.

Article 43 of that Code states that `the
child is affiliated to its father if it is born in the 10 months following the
date of separation or death'.

Article 15, paragraph 4:

The Government of the People's Democratic
Republic of Algeria declares that the provisions of article 15, paragraph 4,
concerning the right of women to choose their residence and domicile should not
be interpreted in such a manner as to contradict the provisions of chapter 4
(art. 37) of the Algerian Family Code.

Article 16:

The Government of the People's Democratic
Republic of Algeria declares that the provisions of article 16 concerning equal
rights for men and women in all matters relating to marriage, both during
marriage and at its dissolution, should not contradict the provisions of the
Algerian Family Code.

Article 29:

The Government of the People's Democratic
Republic of Algeria does not consider itself bound by article 29,
paragraph 1, which states that any dispute between two or more Parties
concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention which is not
settled by negotiation shall, at the request of one of them, be submitted to
arbitration or to the International Court of Justice.

The Government of the People's Democratic
Republic of Algeria holds that no such dispute can be submitted to arbitration
or to the Court of International Justice except with the consent of all the
parties to the dispute.

Argentina

Reservation:

The Government of Argentina declares that it
does not consider itself bound by article 29, paragraph 1, of the Convention on
the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

"The Government of Australia states
that maternity leave with pay is provided in respect of most women employed by
the Commonwealth Government and the Governments of New South Wales and
Victoria. Unpaid maternity leave is provided in respect of all other women
employed in the State of
New South
Wales
and elsewhere to women employed under Federal
and some State industrial awards. Social Security benefits subject to income
tests are available to women who are sole parents.

"The Government of Australia advises
that it is not at present in a position to take the measures required by
article 11 (2) to introduce maternity leave with pay or with comparable social
benefits throughout
Australia
.

.....

Declaration:

"
Australia
has a Federal Constitutional System in which Legislative, Executive and
Judicial Powers are shared or distributed between the Commonwealth and the
ConstituentStates
. The implementation of the Treaty
throughout
Australia
will be
effected by the
CommonwealthState
and Territory
Authorities having regard to their respective constitutional powers and
arrangements concerning their exercise."

30 August 2000

Reservation:

The Government of Australia advises that it
does not accept the application of the Convention in so far as it would require
alteration of Defence Force policy which excludes women from combat
duties."

"
Austria
reserves its right to apply
[...], the provision of article 11, as far as night work of women and
special protection of working women is concerned, within the limits established
by national legislation."

Bahamas

Reservations:

"The Government of the Commonwealth of
the
Bahamas
does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 2(a), ... article
9, paragraph 2, ... article 16(h), ... [and] article 29, paragraph 1, of the
Convention."

Bahrain

Reservations:

....the
Kingdom
of
Bahrain
makes reservations with respect to the following provisions of the
Convention:

- Article 2, in order to ensure its
implementation within the bounds of the provisions of the Islamic
Shariah;

- Article 9, paragraph 2;

- Article 15, paragraph 4;

- Article 16, in so far as it is
incompatible with the provisions of the Islamic Shariah;

"...
Brazil
does not consider itself
bound by article 29, paragraph 1, of the above-mentioned
Convention."

Brunei Darussalam

Reservations:

"The Government of Brunei Darussalam
expresses its reservations regarding those provisions of the said Convention
that may be contrary to the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam and to the
beliefs and principles of Islam, the official religion of Brunei Darussalam
and, without prejudice to the generality of the said reservations, expresses
its reservations regarding paragraph 2 of Article 9 and paragraph 1 of Article
29 of the Convention."

Chile

Upon signature:

Declaration:

The Government of Chile has signed this
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women,
mindful of the important step which this document represents, not only in terms
of the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, but also in
terms of their full and permanent integration into society in conditions of
equality.

The Government is obliged to state, however,
that some of the provisions of the Convention are not entirely compatible with
current Chilean legislation.

At the same time, it reports the
establishment of a Commission for the Study and Reform of the Civil Code, which
now has before it various proposals to amend, inter alia, those
provisions which are not fully consistent with the terms of the
Convention.

China

Declaration made upon signature and
confirmed upon ratifica- tion:

The People's Republic of
China
does not
consider itself bound by paragraph 1 of article 29 of the Convention.

Cuba

Reservation:

The Government of the
Republic
of
Cuba
makes a specific reservation concerning the provisions of article 29 of the
Convention inasmuch as it holds that any disputes that may arise between States
Parties should be resolved through direct negotiations through the diplomatic
channel.

"The Government of the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea does not consider itself bound by the provisions of
paragraph (f) of article 2, paragraph 2 of article 9 and
paragraph 1 of article 29 of [the Convention]."

Egypt

Reservations made upon signature and
confirmed upon ratification:

In respect of article 9

Reservation to the text of article 9,
paragraph 2, concerning the granting to women of equal rights with men with
respect to the nationality of their children, without prejudice to the acquisition
by a child born of a marriage of the nationality of his father. This is in
order to prevent a child's acquisition of two nationalities where his parents
are of different nationalities, since this may be prejudicial to his future. It
is clear that the child's acquisition of his father's nationality is the
procedure most suitable for the child and that this does not infringe upon the
principle of equality between men and women, since it is customary for a woman
to agree, upon marrying an alien, that her children shall be of the father's
nationality.

In respect of article 16

Reservation to the text of article 16
concerning the equality of men and women in all matters relating to marriage
and family relations during the marriage and upon its dissolution, without
prejudice to the Islamic Sharia's provisions whereby women are accorded
rights equivalent to those of their spouses so as to ensure a just balance
between them. This is out of respect for the sacrosanct nature of the firm
religious beliefs which govern marital relations in Egypt and which may not be
called in question and in view of the fact that one of the most important bases
of these relations is an equivalency of rights and duties so as to ensure
complementary which guarantees true equality between the spouses. The
provisions of the Sharia lay down that the husband shall pay bridal
money to the wife and maintain her fully and shall also make a payment to her
upon divorce, whereas the wife retains full rights over her property and is not
obliged to spend anything on her keep. The Sharia therefore restricts
the wife's rights to divorce by making it contingent on a judge's ruling,
whereas no such restriction is laid down in the case of the husband.

In respect of article 29:

The Egyptian delegation also maintains the
reservation contained in article 29, paragraph 2, concerning the right of a
State signatory to the Convention to declare that it does not consider itself
bound by paragraph 1 of that article concerning the submission to an arbitral
body of any dispute which may arise between States concerning the
interpretation or application of the Convention. This is in order to avoid
being bound by the system of arbitration in this field.

Reservation made upon ratification:

General reservation on article 2

The Arab Republic of Egypt is willing to
comply with the content of this article, provided that such compliance does not
run counter to the Islamic Sharia.

El Salvador

Upon signature:

Upon ratification of the Convention, the
Government of El Salvador will make the reservation provided for in article
29.

Upon ratification:

Reservation:

With reservation as to the application of
the provision of article 29, paragraph 1.

Ethiopia

Reservation:

Socialist Ethiopia does not consider itself
bound by paragraph 1 of article 29 of the Convention.

The Government of the
FrenchRepublic
declares that article 9 of the Convention must not be interpreted as
precluding the application of the second paragraph of article 96 of the code of
French nationality.

[All other declarations and reservations were
confirmed in substance upon ratification.]

Upon ratification:

Declarations:

The Government of the
FrenchRepublic
declares that the preamble to the Convention in particular the eleventh
preambular paragraph contains debatable elements which are definitely out of
place in this text.

The Government of the French Republic
declares that the term "family education" in article 5 (b) of the
Convention must be interpreted as meaning public education concerning the
family and that, in any event, article 5 will be applied subject to respect for
article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
article 8 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and
Fundamental Freedoms.

The Government of the
FrenchRepublic
declares that no provision of the Convention must be interpreted as prevailing
over provisions of French legislation which are more favourable to women than
to men.

Reservations:

.....

Article 14

1. The Government of the French Republic
declares that article 14, paragraph 2 (c), should be interpreted as
guaranteeing that women who fulfil the conditions relating to family or
employment required by French legislation for personal participation shall
acquire their own rights within the framework of social security.

2. The Government of the French Republic
declares that article 14, paragraph 2 (h), of the Convention should not be
interpreted as implying the actual provision, free of charge, of the services
mentioned in that paragraph.

Article 16 1 (g)

The Government of the French Republic enters
a reservation concerning the right to choose a family name mentioned in article
16, paragraph 1 (g), of the Convention.

Article 29

The Government of the
FrenchRepublic
declares, in pursuance of article 29, paragraph 2, of the Convention, that it
will not be bound by the provisions of article 29, paragraph 1.

The right of peoples to self-determination,
as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in the International
Covenants of 19 December 1966, applies to all peoples and not only to those
living 'under alien and colonial domination and foreign occupation'. All
peoples thus have the inalienable right freely to determine their political
status and freely to pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
The Federal Republic of Germany would be unable to recognize as legally valid
an interpretation of the right to self-determination which contradicts the
unequivocal wording of the Charter of the United Nations and of the two
International Covenants of 19 December 1966 on Civil and Political Rights and
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It will interpret the 11th paragraph
of the Preamble accordingly.

India

Declarations and reservations made upon
signature and confirmed upon ratification:

Declarations:

"i) With regard to articles 5 (a) and
16 (1) of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women, the Government of the Republic of India declares that it shall
abide by and ensure these provisions in conformity with its policy of
non-interference in the personal affairs of any Community without its
initiative and consent.

"ii) With regard to article 16 (2) of
the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women,
the Government of the Republic of India declares that though in principle it
fully supports the principle of compulsory registration of marriages, it is not
practical in a vast country like India with its variety of customs, religions
and level of literacy."

Reservation:

"With regard to article 29 of the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the
Government of the
Republic
of
India
declares that it
does not consider itself bound by paragraph 1 of this article."

Indonesia

"The Government of the Republic of
Indonesia does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 29,
paragraph 1 of this Convention and takes the position that any dispute
relating to the interpretation or application of the Convention may only be
submitted to arbitration or to the International Court of Justice with the
agreement of all the parties to the dispute."

1. Approval of and accession to this
Convention shall not mean that the
Republic
of
Iraq
is bound by the
provisions of article 2, paragraphs (f) and (g), of article 9, paragraphs 1 and
2, nor of article 16 of the Convention. The reservation to this last-mentioned
article shall be without prejudice to the provisions of the Islamic Shariah according women rights equivalent to the rights of their spouses so as to
ensure a just balance between them.
Iraq
also enters a reservation to
article 29, paragraph 1, of this Convention with regard to the principle of
international arbitration in connection with the interpretation or application
of this Convention.

2. This approval in no way implies
recognition of or entry into any relations with
Israel
.

Ireland is of the view that the attainment in
Ireland
of the
objectives of the Convention does not necessitate the extension to men of
rights identical to those accorded by law to women in respect of the
guardianship, adoption and custody of children born out of wedlock and reserves
the right to implement the Convention subject to that understanding.

Articles 11 (1) and 13 (a)

Ireland reserves the right to regard the Anti-Discrimination
(Pay) Act, 1974 and the Employment Equality Act 1977 and other measures taken
in implementation of the
European Economic Community
standards concerning employment opportunities and pay as sufficient
implementation of articles 11,1 (b), (c) and (d).

Ireland reserves the right for the time being to maintain provisions of Irish
legislation in the area of social security which are more favourable to women
than men.

Israel

Reservations:

"1. The State of Israel hereby
expresses its reservation with regard to article 7 (b) of the Convention
concerning the appointment of women to serve as judges of religious courts
where this is prohibited by the laws of any of the religious communities in
Israel
.
Otherwise, the said article is fully implemented in
Israel
, in view of the fact that
women take a prominent part in all aspect of public life.

"2. The State of
Israel
hereby expresses its reservation with
regard to article 16 of the Convention, to the extent that the laws on personal
status which are binding on the various religious communities in
Israel
do not
conform with the provisions of that article."

Declaration:

"3. In accordance with paragraph 2 of
article 29 of the Convention, the State of Israel hereby declares that it does
not consider itself bound by paragraph 1 of that article."

Italy

Upon signature:

Reservation:

Italy reserves the right to exercise, when depositing the instrument of
ratification, the option provided for in article 19 of the Vienna Convention on
the Law of Treaties of 23 May 1969.

The Government of Kuwait reserves its right
not to implement the provision contained in article 9, paragraph 2, of the
Convention, inasmuch as it runs counter to the Kuwaiti Nationality Act, which
stipulates that a child's nationality shall be determined by that of his
father.

3. Article 16 (f)

The Government of the State of Kuwait
declares that it does not consider itself bound by the provision contained in
article 16 (f) inasmuch as it conflicts with the provisions of the IslamicShariah , Islam being the official religion of the State.

4. The Government of
Kuwait
declares
that it is not bound by the provision contained in article 29, paragraph
1.

"The Government of the
Kingdom
of
Lesotho
declares that it does not consider itself bound by article 2 to the extent that
it conflicts with
Lesotho
's
constitutional stipulations relative to succession to the throne of the
Kingdom
of
Lesotho
and law relating to succession
to chieftainship."

1. Article 2 of the Convention shall be
implemented with due regard for the peremptory norms of the Islamic Shariah relating to determination of the inheritance portions of the estate of a
deceased person, whether female or male.

2. The implementation of paragraph 16 (c)
and (d) of the Convention shall be without prejudice to any of the rights
guaranteed to women by the Islamic Shariah.

"In the light of the definition given
in article 1 of the Convention, the Principality of Liechtenstein reserves the
right to apply, with respect to all the obligations of the Convention, article
3 of the Liechtenstein Constitution."

Luxembourg

Reservations:

(a) The application of article 7 shall not
affect the validity of the article of our Constitution concerning the
hereditary transmission of the crown of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in
accordance with the family compact of the house of Nassau of 30 June 1783,
maintained by article 71 of the Treaty of Vienna of 9 June 1815 and expressly
maintained by article 1 of the Treaty of London of 11 May 1867.

(b) The application of paragraph 1 (g) of
article 16 of the Convention shall not affect the right to choose the family
name of children.

The Government of Malaysia declares that
Malaysia's accession is subject to the understanding that the provisions of the
Convention do not conflict with the provisions of the Islamic Sharia' law and
the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. With regards thereto, further, the
Government of Malaysia does not consider itself bound by the provisions of
articles 2 (f), 5 (a), 7 (b), 9 and 16 of the aforesaid
Convention.

In relation to article 11,
Malaysia
interprets the provisions of this article as a reference to the prohibition of
discrimination on the basis of equality between men and women only.

On 6 February 1998, the Governnment of
Malaysia notified the Secretary-General of a partial withdrawal as
follows:

"The Government of Malaysia withdraws
its reservation in respect of article 2(f), 9(1), 16(b), 16(d), 16(e) and
16(h).

"1. The Government of the
Republic
of
Maldives
expresses its reservation to article 7 (a) of the Convention, to the extent
that the provision contained in the said paragraph conflicts with the provision
of article 34 of the Constitution of the
Republic
of
Maldives
.

2. The Government of the
Republic
of
Maldives
reserves its right to apply article 16 of the Convention concerning the
equality of men and women in all matters relating to marriage and family
relations without prejudice to the provisions of the Islamic Sharia, which
govern all marital and family relations of the 100 percent Muslim population of
the
Maldives
."

Malta

Reservations:

"A. Article 11

The Government of Malta interprets paragraph
1 of article II, in the light of provisions of paragraph 2 of article 4,
as not precluding prohibitions, restrictions, or conditions on the employment
of women in certain areas, or the work done by them, where this is considered
necessary or desirable to protect the health and safety of women or the human
foetus, including such prohibitions, restrictions or conditions imposed in
consequence of other international obligations of Malta.

"B. Article 13

(i) The Government of
Malta
reserves
the right, notwithstanding anything in the Convention, to continue to apply its
tax legislation which deems, in certain circumstances, the income of a married
woman to be the income of her husband and taxable as such.

(ii) The Government of
Malta
reserves
the right to continue to apply its social security legislation which in certain
circumstances makes certain benefits payable to the head of the household which
is, by such legislation, presumed to be the husband.

"C. Articles 13, 15, 16

While the Government of Malta is committed
to remove, in as far as possible, all aspects of family and property law which
may be considered as discriminatory to females, it reserves the right to
continue to apply present legislation in that regard until such time as the law
is reformed and during such transitory period until those laws are completely
superseded.

"D. Article 16

The Government of Malta does not consider
itself bound by sub-paragraph (e) of paragraph (1) of article 16 in so far as
the same may be interpreted as imposing an obligation on
Malta
to
legalize abortion."

Having seen and examined the United Nations
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women,
adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 18 December 1979, have
approved and do approve it in each and every one of its parts which are not
contrary to Islamic Sharia and are in accordance with our
Constitution.

"The Government of Mauritius does not
consider itself bound by paragraph 1 of article 29 of the Convention, in
pursuance of paragraph 2 of article 29."

Mexico

Upon signature:

Declaration:

In signing ad referendum the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women,
which the General Assembly opened for signature by States on 18 December 1979,
the Government of the United Mexican States wishes to place on record that it
is doing so on the understanding that the provisions of the said Convention,
which agree in all essentials with the provisions of Mexican legislation, will
be applied in Mexico in accordance with the modalities and procedures
prescribed by Mexican legislation and that the granting of material benefits in
pursuance of the Convention will be as generous as the resources available to
the Mexican State permit.

"1. The Government of the Federated
States of Micronesia advises that it is not at present in a position to take
the measures either required by Article 11 (1) (d) of the Convention to enact
comparable worth legislation, or by Article 11 (2) (b) to enact maternity leave
with pay or with comparable social benefits throughout the nation;

2. The Government of the Federated States of
Micronesia, in its capacity as trustee of the heritage of diversity within its
States under Article V of its Constitution, reserves the right not to apply the
provisions of Articles 2 (f), 5, and 16 to the succession of certain
well-established traditional titles, and to marital customs that divide tasks
or decision-making in purely voluntary or consensual private conduct;
and

3. The Government of the Federated States of
Micronesia does not consider itself bound by the provisions of Article 29 (1)
of the Convention, and takes the position that any dispute relating to the
interpretation or application of the Convention may only be submitted to
arbitration or to the International Court of Justice with the agreement of all
parties to the dispute."

Monaco

Declarations:

1. The implementation of the Convention on
the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women does not affect
the validity of conventions concluded with
France
.

2. The Principality of
Monaco
deems
that the aims of the Convention are to eliminate all forms of discrimination
against women and to guarantee every individual, irrespective of gender,
equality before the law, when the aforementioned aims are in line with the
principles stipulated in the Constitution. 3. The Principality of Monaco declares
that no provision in the Convention can be interpreted as impeding the
provisions of the laws and regulations of Monaco that are more favourable to
women than to men.

Reservations:

1. The ratification of the Convention by the
Principality of Monaco shall have no effect on the constitutional provisions
governing the succession to the throne.

2. The Principality of
Monaco
reserves
the right not to apply the provisions of Article 7, paragraph b, of the
Convention regarding recruitment to the police force.

3. The Principality of
Monaco
does not
consider itself bound by the provisions of Article 9 which are not compatible
with its nationality laws.

4. The Principality of Monaco does not
consider itself bound by Article 16, paragraph 1 (g), regarding the right to
choose one's surname.

5. The Principality of Monaco does not
consider itself bound by Article 16, paragraph 1 (e), to the extent that the
latter can be interpreted as forcing the legalization of abortion or
sterilization.

6. The Principality of
Monaco
reserves
the right to continue to apply its social security laws which, in certain
circumstances, envisage the payment of certain benefits to the head of the
household who, according to this legislation, is presumed to be the
husband.

7. The Principality of
Monaco
declares, in conformity with the provisions of Article 29, paragraph 2, that it
does not consider itself bound by the provisions of the first paragraph of this
article.

Morocco

The Government of the
Kingdom
of
Morocco
express its readiness to apply the provisions of this article provided
that:

- They are without prejudice to the
constitutional requirement that regulate the rules of succession to the throne
of the
Kingdom
of
Morocco
;

- They do not conflict with the provisions
of the Islamic Shariah. It should be noted that certain of the provisions
contained in the Moroccan Code of Personal Status according women rights that
differ from the rights conferred on men may not be infringed upon or abrogated
because they derive primarily from the Islamic Shariah, which strives, among
its other objectives, to strike a balance between the spouses in order to
preserve the coherence of family life.

2. With regard to article 15, paragraph
4:

The Government of the
Kingdom
of
Morocco
declares that it can only be bound by the provisions of this paragraph, in particular
those relating to the right of women to choose their residence and domicile, to
the extent that they are not incompatible with articles 34 and 36 of the
Moroccan Code of Personal Status.

Reservation:

1. With regard to article 9, paragraph
2:

The Government of the Kingdom of Morocco
makes a reservation with regard to this article in view of the fact that the
Law of Moroccan Nationality permits a child to bear the nationality of its
mother only in the cases where it is born to an unknown father, regardless of
place of birth, or to a stateless father, when born in Morocco, and it does so
in order to guarantee to each child its right to a nationality. Further, a
child born in
Morocco
of a
Moroccan mother and a foreign father may acquire the nationality of its mother
by declaring, within two years of reaching the age of majority, its desire to
acquire that nationality, provided that, on making such declaration, its
customary and regular residence is in
Morocco
.

1. With regard to article 16:

The Government of the
Kingdom
of
Morocco
makes a reservation with regard to the provisions of this article, particularly
those relating to the equality of men and women, in respect of rights and
responsibilities on entry into and at dissolution of marriage. Equality of this
kind is considered incompatible with the Islamic Shariah, which guarantees to
each of the spouses rights and responsibilities within a framework of
equilibrium and complementary in order to preserve the sacred bond of
matrimony.

The provisions of the Islamic Shariah oblige
the husband to provide a nuptial gift upon marriage and to support his family,
while the wife is not required by law to support the family.

Further, at dissolution of marriage, the
husband is obliged to pay maintenance. In contrast, the wife enjoys complete
freedom of disposition of her property during the marriage and upon its
dissolution without supervision by the husband, the husband having no
jurisdiction over his wife's property.

For these reasons, the Islamic Shariah
confers the right of divorce on a woman only by decision of a Shariah
judge.

1. With regard to article 29:

The Government of the Kingdom of Morocco
does not consider itself bound by the first paragraph of this article, which
provides that `Any dispute between two or more States Parties concerning the
interpretation or application of the present Convention which is not settled by
negotiation shall, at the request of one of them, be submitted to
arbitration.

The Government of the
Kingdom
of
Morocco
is of the view that any dispute of this kind can only be referred to
arbitration by agreement of all the parties to the dispute.

Myanmar

Reservation:

Article 29

"[The Government of Myanmar] does not
consider itself bound by the provision set forth in the said
article."

Netherlands

Declaration:

"During the preparatory stages of the
present Convention and in the course of debates on it in the General Assembly
the position of the Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands
was that it was not
desirable to introduce political considerations such as those contained in
paragraphs 10 and 11 of the preamble in a legal instrument of this nature.
Moreover, the considerations are not directly related to the achievement of
total equality between men and women. The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands
considers that it must recall its objections to the said paragraphs in the
preamble at this occasion."

"The Government of New Zealand, the
Government of the
Cook Islands
and the
Government of Niue reserve the right not to apply the provisions of the
Convention in so far as they are inconsistent with policies relating to
recruitment into or service in

(a) the Armed Forces which reflect either
directly or indirectly the fact that members of such forces are required to
serve on armed forces aircraft or vessels and in situations involving armed
combat

or

(b) the law enforcement forces which reflect
either directly or indirectly the fact that members of such forces are required
to serve in situations involving violence or threat of violence.

...

"The Government of the Cook Islands
reserves the right not to apply article 2 (f) and article 5 (a) to the extent
that the customs governing the inheritance of certain
Cook
Islands
chief titles may be inconsistent with those
provisions."

The Government of the Republic of the Niger
expresses reservations with regard to article 2, paragraphs (d) and (f),
concerning the taking of all appropriate measures to abolish all customs and
practices which constitute discrimination against women, particularly in
respect of succession.

Article 5, paragraph (a)

The Government of the Republic of the
Niger
expresses
reservations with regard to the modification of social and cultural patterns of
conduct of men and women.

Article 15, paragraph 4

The Government of the Republic of the
Niger
declares
that it can be bound by the provisions of this paragraph, particularly those
concerning the right of women to choose their residence and domicile, only to
the extent that these provisions refer only to unmarried women.

Article 16, paragraph 1 (c), (e) and (g)

The Government of the Republic of the
Niger
expresses
reservations concerning the above-referenced provisions of article 16,
particularly those concerning the same rights and responsibilities during
marriage and at its dissolution, the same rights to decide freely and
responsibly on the number and spacing of their children, and the right to
choose a family name.

The Government of the Republic of the Niger
declares that the provisions of article 2, paragraphs (d) and (f), article 5,
paragraphs (a) and (b), article 15, paragraph 4, and article 16, paragraph 1
(c), (e) and (g), concerning family relations, cannot be applied immediately,
as they are contrary to existing customs and practices which, by their nature,
can be modified only with the passage of time and the evolution of society and
cannot, therefore, be abolished by an act of authority.

Article 29

The Government of the Republic of the Niger
expresses a reservation concerning article 29, paragraph 1, which provides that
any dispute between two or more States concerning the interpretation or
application of the present Convention which is not settled by negotiation
shall, at the request of one of them, be submitted to arbitration.

In the view of the Government of the
Niger
, a
dispute of this nature can be submitted to arbitration only with the consent of
all the parties to the dispute.

Declaration

The Government of the Republic of the Niger
declares that the term "family education" which appears in article 5,
paragraph (b), of the Convention should be interpreted as referring to public
education concerning the family, and that in any event, article 5 would be
applied in compliance with article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights.

Oman

Reservations:

1. All provisions of the Convention not in
accordance with the provisions of the Islamic sharia and legislation in force
in the Sultanate of Oman;

2. Article 9, paragraph 2, which provides
that States Parties shall grant women equal rights with men with respect to the
nationality of their children;

3. Article 15, paragraph 4, which provides
that States Parties shall accord to men and women the same rights with regard
to the law relating to the movement of persons and the freedom to choose their
residence and domicile;

4. Article 16, regarding the equality of men
and women, and in particular subparagraphs (a), (c), and (f) (regarding
adoption).

5. The Sultanate is not bound by article 29,
paragraph 1, regarding arbitration and the referral to the International Court
of Justice of any dispute between two or more States which is not settled by
negotiation.

"1. The Government of the
Republic
of
Korea
does not consider itself bound by
the provisions of article 9 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women of 1979.

"2. Bearing in mind the fundamental
principles as embodied in the said Convention, the Government of the
Republic
of
Korea
has recently established the Korea
Women's welfare and social activities. A committee under the chairmanship of
the prime minister will shortly be set up to consider and coordinate overall
policies on women.

"3. The Government of the
Republic
of
Korea
will make continued efforts to
take further measures in line with the provisions stipulated in the
Convention."

Upon ratification:

Reservation :

"The Government of the
Republic
of
Korea
, having examined the said
Convention, hereby ratifies the Convention considering itself not bound by the
provisions of [...] sub-paragraph [...] (g) of paragraph 1 of Article 16
of the Convention."

(1) In the context of
Singapore
's multi-racial and multi-religious
society and the need to respect the freedom of minorities to practise their
religious and personal laws, the
Republic
of
Singapore
reserves the
right not to apply the provisions of articles 2 and 16 where compliance with
these provisions would be contrary to their religious or personal
laws.

(2)
Singapore
is geographically one of
the smallest independent countries in the world and one of the most densely
populated. The Republic of Singapore accordingly reserves the right to apply
such laws and conditions governing the entry into, stay in, employment of and
departure from its territory of those who do not have the right under the laws
of Singapore to enter and remain indefinitely in Singapore and to the
conferment, acquisitions and loss of citizenship of women who have acquired
such citizenship by marriage and of children born outside Singapore.

(3) Singapore interprets article 11,
paragraph 1 in the light of the provisions of article 4, paragraph 2 as not
precluding prohibitions, restrictions or conditions on the employment of women
in certain areas, or on work done by them where this is considered necessary or
desirable to protect the health and safety of women or the human foetus,
including such prohibitions, restrictions or conditions imposed in consequence
of other international obligations of Singapore and considers that legislation
in respect of article 11 is unnecessary for the minority of women who do not
fall within the ambit of Singapore's employment legislation.

(4) The
Republic
of
Singapore
declares, in pursuance of article 29, paragraph 2 of the Convention that it
will not be bound by the provisions of article 29, paragraph 1.

Spain

Declaration:

The ratification of the Convention by
Spain
shall not
affect the constitutional provisions concerning succession to the Spanish
crown.

SyrianArabRepublic

Reservation:

..... subject to reservations to article 2;
article 9, paragraph 2, concerning the grant of a woman's nationality to her
children; article 15, paragraph 4, concerning freedom of movement and of
residence and domicile; article 16, paragraph 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g),
concerning equal rights and responsibilities during marriage and at its
dissolution with regard to guardianship, the right to choose a family name,
maintenance and adoption; article 16, paragraph 2, concerning the legal effect
of the betrothal and the marriage of a child, inasmuch as this provision is
incompatible with the provisions of the Islamic Shariah; and article 29,
paragraph 1, concerning arbitration between States in the event of a dispute.

The accession of the
SyrianArabRepublic
to this Convention shall in no way signify recognition of
Israel
or entail entry into any dealings with
Israel
in the
context of the provisions of the Convention..

The Royal Thai Government wishes to express
its understanding that the purposes of the Convention are to eliminate
discrimination against women and to accord to every person, men and women
alike, equality before the law, and are in accordance with the principles
prescribed by the Constitution of the
Kingdom
of
Thailand
.

Reservations:

.....

3. The Royal Thai Government does not
consider itself bound by the provisions of [...] article 16 and article 29,
paragraph 1, of the Convention.

Trinidad and Tobago

Reservation made upon signature and
confirmed upon ratifica- tion:

"The
Republic
of
Trinidad and
Tobago
declares that it does not consider itself
bound by article 29 (1) of the said Convention, relating to the settlement of
disputes."

Tunisia

1. General declaration:

The Tunisian Government declares that it
shall not take any organizational or legislative decision in conformity with
the requirements of this Convention where such a decision would conflict with
the provisions of chapter I of the Tunisian Constitution.

2. Reservation concerning article 9,
paragraph 2:

The Tunisian Government expresses its
reservation with regard to the provisions in article 9, paragraph 2 of the
Convention, which must not conflict with the provisions of chapter VI of the
Tunisian Nationality Code.

The Tunisian Government considers itself not
bound by article 16, paragraphs (c), (d) and (f) of the Convention and declares
that paragraphs (g) and (h) of that article must not conflict with the
provisions of the Personal Status Code concerning the granting of family names
to children and the acquisition of property through inheritance.

4. Reservation concerning article 29,
paragraph 1:

The Tunisian Government declares, in
conformity with the requirements of article 29, paragraph 2 of the Convention,
that it shall not be bound by the provisions of paragraph 1 of that article
which specify that any dispute between two or more States Parties concerning
the interpretation or application of the present Convention which is not
settled by negotiation shall be referred to the International Court of Justice
at the request of any one of those parties.

The Tunisian Government considers that such
disputes should be submitted for arbitration or consideration by the
International Court of Justice only with the consent of all parties to the
dispute.

5. Declaration concerning article 15,
paragraph 4:

In accordance with the provisions of the
Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, dated 23 May 1969, the Tunisian
Government emphasizes that the requirements of article 15, paragraph 4, of the
Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women, and
particularly that part relating to the right of women to choose their residence
and domicile, must not be interpreted in a manner which conflicts with the
provisions of the Personal Status Code on this subject, as set forth in
chapters 23 and 61 of the Code.

Turkey

The original reservation and declaration
read as follows:

Reservations:

"Reservations of the Government of the
Republic of Turkey with regard to the articles of the Convention dealing with
family relations which are not completely compatible with the provisions of the
Turkish Civil Code, in particular, article 15, paragraphs 2 and 4, and article
16, paragraphs 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g), as well as with respect to article 29,
paragraph 1. In pursuance of article 29, paragraph 2 of the Convention, the
Government of the
Republic
of
Turkey
declares that
it does not consider itself bound by paragraph 1 of this
article."

Declaration:

"Article 9, paragraph 1 of the
Convention is not in conflict with the provisions of article 5, paragraph 1,
and article 15 and 17 of the Turkish Law on Nationality, relating to the
acquisition of citizenship, since the intent of those provisions regulating acquisition
of citizenship through marriage is to prevent statelessness."

20 September 1999

On 20 September 1999, the Government of
Turkey notified the Secretary-General of a partial withdrawal as
follows:

"[...] the Government of the Republic
of Turkey has decided to withdraw its reservations made upon [accession to] the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women with
regard to article 15, paragraphs 2 and 4, and article 16, paragraphs 1 (c),
(d), (f) and (g).

[...] the reservation and declaration made
upon [accession] by the Government of Turkey with respect to article 29,
paragraph 1, and article 9, paragraph 1 of the Convention, respectively,
continue to apply.".

The
United Arab Emirates
makes reservations
to articles 2 (f), 9, 15 (2), 16 and 29 (1) of the Convention, as
follows:

Article 2 (f)

The
United Arab Emirates
, being of the
opinion that this paragraph violates the rules of inheritance established in
accordance with the precepts of the Shariah, makes a reservation thereto and
does not consider itself bound by the provisions thereof.

Article 9

The United Arab Emirates, considering the
acquisition of nationality an internal matter which is governed, and the
conditions and controls of which are established, by national legislation makes
a reservation to this article and does not consider itself bound by the
provisions thereof.

Article 15 (2)

The
United Arab Emirates
, considering
this paragraph in conflict with the precepts of the Shariah regarding legal
capacity, testimony and the right to conclude contracts, makes a reservation to
the said paragraph of the said article and does not consider itself bound by
the provisions thereof.

Article 16

The
United Arab Emirates
will abide by
the provisions of this article insofar as they are not in conflict with the
principles of the Shariah. The United Arab Emirates considers that the payment
of a dower and of support after divorce is an obligation of the husband, and
the husband has the right to divorce, just as the wife has her independent
financial security and her full rights to her property and is not required to
pay her husband's or her own expenses out of her own property. The Shariah
makes a woman's right to divorce conditional on a judicial decision, in a case
in which she has been harmed.

Article 29 (1)

The
United Arab Emirates
appreciates
and respects the functions of this article, which provides: "Any dispute
between two or more States Parties concerning the interpretation or application
of the present Convention which is not settled by negotiation shall, at the
request of one of them, be submitted to arbitration. If within six months...the
parties are unable..." [any one of those parties] "may refer the
dispute to the International Court of Justice..." This article, however,
violates the general principle that matters are submitted to an arbitration
panel by agreement between the parties. In addition, it might provide an
opening for certain States to bring other States to trial in defence of their
nationals; the case might then be referred to the committee charged with
discussing the State reports required by the Convention and a decision might be
handed down against the State in question for violating the provisions of the
Convention. For these reasons the
United Arab Emirates
makes a
reservation to this article and does not consider itself bound by the
provisions thereof.

"The Government of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland declare that it is their intention to
make certain reservations and declarations upon ratification of the
Convention.

Upon ratification:

"A. On behalf of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland:

"(a) The United Kingdom understands the
main purpose of the Convention, in the light of the definition contained in
Article 1, to be the reduction, in accordance with its terms, of discrimination
against women, and does not therefore regard the Convention as imposing any
requirement to repeal or modify any existing laws, regulations, customs or
practices which provide for women to be treated more favourably than men, whether
temporarily or in the longer term; the United Kingdom's undertakings under
Article 4, paragraph 1, and other provisions of the Convention are to be
construed accordingly.

...

"(c) In the light of the definition
contained in Article 1, the United Kingdom's ratification is subject to the
understanding that none of its obligations under the Convention shall be
treated as extending to the succession to, or possession and enjoyment of, the
Throne, the peerage, titles of honour, social precedence or armorial bearings,
or as extending to the affairs of religious denominations or orders or any act
done for the purpose of ensuring the combat effectiveness of the Armed Forces
of the Crown.

"(d) The United Kingdom reserves the
right to continue to apply such immigration legislation governing entry into,
stay in, and departure from, the United Kingdom as it may deem necessary from
time to time and, accordingly, its acceptance of Article 15 (4) and of the
other provisions of the Convention is subject to the provisions of any such
legislation as regards persons not at the time having the right under the law
of the United Kingdom to enter and remain in the United Kingdom.

...

"Article 9

The British Nationality Act 1981, which was
brought into force with effect from January 1983, is based on principles which
do not allow of any discrimination against women within the meaning of Article
1 as regards acquisition, change or retention of their nationality or as
regards the nationality of their children. The
United Kingdom
's acceptance of
Article 9 shall not, how ever, be taken to invalidate the continuation of
certain temporary or transitional provisions which will continue in force
beyond that date.

...

"Article 11

...

"The United Kingdom reserves the right
to apply all United Kingdom legislation and the rules of pension schemes
affecting retirement pensions, survivors' benefits and other benefits in
relation to death or retirement (including retirement on grounds of redundancy),
whether or not derived from a Social Security scheme.

"This reservation will apply equally to
any future legislation which may modify or replace such legislation, or the
rules of pension schemes, on the understanding that the terms of such legislation
will be compatible with the
United
Kingdom
's obligations under the
Convention.

"The
United
Kingdom
reserves the right to apply the following
provisions of
United
Kingdom
legislation concerning the benefits specified:

...

b) increases of benefits for adult
dependants under sections 44 to 47, 49 and 66 of the Social Security Act 1975
and under sections 44 to 47, 49 and 66 of the Social Security (
Northern Ireland
)
Act 1975;

...

The
United Kingdom
reserves the right
to apply any non-discriminatory requirement for a qualifying period of
employment or insurance for the application of the provisions contained in
Article 11 (2).

"Article 15

...

"In relation to Article 15, paragraph
3, the United Kingdom understands the intention of this provision to be that only
those terms or elements of a contract or other private instrument which are
discriminatory in the sense described are to be deemed null and void, but not
necessarily the contract or instrument as a whole.

"Article 16

As regards sub-paragraph 1 (f) of Article
16, the United Kingdom does not regard the reference to the paramountcy of the
interests of the children as being directly relevant to the elimination of
discrimination against women, and declares in this connection that the
legislation of the United Kingdom regulating adoption, while giving a principal
position to the promotion of the children's welfare, does not give to the
child's interests the same paramount place as in issues concerning custody over
children.

...

"B. On behalf of the Isle of Man, the
British Virgin Islands, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South
Sandwich Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands:

[Same reservations as the one made on
behalf of the United Kingdom under paragraphs A (a), (c), and (d) except that
in the of case d) it applies to the territories and their laws).]

Article 1

[Same reservation as the one made in respect
of the
United Kingdom
except
with regard to the absence of a reference to
United Kingdom
legislation.]

Article 2

[Same reservation as the one made in respect
of the
United Kingdom
except
that reference is made to the laws of the territories, and not the laws of the
United Kingdom
.]

Article 9

[Same reservation as the one made in respect
of the
United
Kingdom
.]

Article 11

[Same reservation as those made in respect
of the
United Kingdom
except
that a reference is made to the laws of the territories, and not to the laws of
the
United
Kingdom
.]

"Also, as far as the territories are
concerned, the specific benefits listed and which may be applied under the
provisions of these territories' legislation are as follows:

a) social security benefits for persons
engaged in caring for a severely disabled person;

b) increases of benefit for adult
dependants;

c) retirement pensions and survivors'
benefits;

d) family income supplements.

"This reservation will apply equally to
any future legislation which may modify or replace any of the provisions
specified in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) above, on the understanding that the
terms of such legislation will be compatible with the
United Kingdom
's
obligations under the Convention.

"The
United Kingdom
reserves the right
to apply any non-discriminatory requirement for a qualifying period of
employment or insurance for the application of the provisions contained in Article
11 (2)."

Article 13, 15 and 16

[Same reservations as those made on behalf
the
United
Kingdom
.]

Venezuela (
BolivarianRepublic
of)

Reservation made upon ratification
confirming in substance the reservation made upon signature:

Venezuela makes a formal reservation with regard to article
29, paragraph 1, of the Convention, since it does not accept arbitration or the
jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice for the settlement of
disputes concerning the interpretation or application of this
Convention.

Viet Nam

Reservation:

In implementing this Convention, the
Socialist Republic of Viet Nam will not be bound by the provisions of paragraph
1 article 29.

The Government of the People's Democratic
Republic of Yemen declares that it does not consider itself bound by
article 29, paragraph 1, of the said Convention, relating to the
settlement of disputes which may arise concerning the application or
interpretation of the Convention.

Objections

(Unless
otherwise indicated, the objections were made

upon
ratification, accession or succession.)

Austria

26 October 1994

With regard to the reservations made by
Maldives
upon
accession:

"The reservation made by the
Maldives
is
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention and is therefore
inadmissible under article 19 (c) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of
Treaties and shall not be permitted, in accordance with article 28 (2) of the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
Austria
therefore states that this reservation cannot alter or modify in any respect
the obligations arising from the Convention for any State Party
thereto."

5 June 1997

With regard to the declaration made by
Pakistan
upon
accession:

"
Austria
is of the view that a
reservation by which a State limits its responsibilities under the Convention
in a general and unspecified manner by invoking internal law creates doubts as
to the commitment of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with its obligations
under the Convention, essential for the fulfillment of its object and
purpose.

It is in the common interests of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become Parties are respected, as to their
object and purpose, by all Parties and that States are prepared to undertake
any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the
treaties.

Austria is further of the view that a general reservation of the kind made by
the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which does not clearly
specify the provisions of the Convention to which it applies and the extent of
the derogation therefrom, contributes to undermining the basis of international
treaty law.

Given the general character of this
reservation a final assessment as to its admissibility under international law
cannot be made without further clarification.

According to international law a reservation
is inadmissible to the extent as its application negatively affects the
compliance by a State with its obligations under the Convention essential for
the fulfillment of its object and purpose.

Therefore,
Austria
cannot consider the
reservation made by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as
admissible unless the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, by
providing additional information or through subsequent practice, ensures that
the reservation is compatible with the provisions essential for the
implementation of the object and purpose of the Convention.

This view by
Austria
would not preclude the entry into force in its entirety of the Convention
between
Pakistan
and
Austria
."

20 February 1998

With regard to reservations made by
Lebanon
upon
accession:

[Same objection, mutatis mutandis, as the one made
for
Pakistan
.]

21 August 2001

With regard to reservations made by
Saudi Arabia
upon ratification:

"
Austria
has examined the reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women made by the Government of the
Kingdom
of
Saudi
Arabia
in its note to the Secretary-General of 7 September 2000.

The fact that the reservation concerning any
interpretation of the provisions of the Convention that is incompatible with
the norms of Islamic law does not clearly specify the provisions of the
Convention to which it applies and the extent of the derogation therefrom
raises doubts as to the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the
Convention.

Given the general character of this
reservation a final assessment as to its admissibility under international law
cannot be made without further clarification. Until the scope of the legal
effects of this reservation is sufficiently specified by the Government of
Saudi Arabia,
Austria
considers the reservation as not affecting any provision the implementation of
which is essential to fulfilling the object and purpose of the Convention. In
Austria
's view, however, the reservation in
question is inadmissible to the extent that its application negatively affects
the compliance by
Saudi
Arabia
with its obligations under the
Convention essential for the fulfilment of its object and purpose.
Austria
does
not consider the reservation made by the Government of Saudi Arabia as
admissible unless the Government of Saudi Arabia, by providing additional
information or through subsequent practice, ensures that the reservation is
compatible with the provisions essential for the implementation of the object
and purpose of the Convention.

As to the reservation to Paragraph 2 of
Article 9 of the Convention Austria is of the view that the exclusion of such
an important provision of non-discrimination is not compatible with object and
purpose of the Convention.
Austria
therefore objects to this reservation.

This position, however, does not preclude
the entry into force in its entirety of the Convention between
Saudi Arabia
and
Austria
."

With regard to reservations made by the
Democcratic Republic of Korea upon accession:

"
Austria
has examined the reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women made by the Government of the Democratic
People's
Republic
of
Korea
in its note to
the Secretary General of 27 February 2001.

Taking into consideration that according to
Paragraph 2 of Article 28 of the Convention, reservations which are
incompatible with the objective and purpose of the Convention are not
acceptable,
Austria
objects to the reservations in respect of Paragraph f of Article 2 and
Paragraph 2 of Article 9.

Both Paragraphs refer to basic aspects of
the Convention, that are legislation to abolish existing discrimination against
women and a specific form of discrimination, such as the nationality of
children.

This position, however, does not preclude
the entry into force in its entirety of the Convention between the Democratic
People's
Republic
of
Korea
and
Austria
."

13 February 2002

With regard to the reservation made by
Mauritania
upon
accession:

"The Government of Austria has examined
the reservation to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination against Women made by the Government of the Islamic Republic of
Mauritania in its note to the Secretary-General of 5 June 2001.

The Government of Austria considers that, in
the absence of further clarification, this reservation raises doubts as to the
degree of commitment assumed by
Mauritania
in becoming a party to the Convention since it refers to the contents of
Islamic Sharia and to existing national legislation in
Mauritania
. The
Government of Austria would like to recall that, according to art. 28 (2) of
the Convention as well as customary international law as codified in the Vienna
Convention on the Law of Treaties, a reservation incompatible with the object
and purpose of a treaty shall not be permitted.

It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected as to their
object and purpose, by all parties, and that States are prepared to undertake
any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the
treaties.

For these reasons, the Government of Austria
objects to this reservation made by the Government of Mauritania.

This position, however, does not preclude
the entry into force in its entirety of the Convention between
Mauritania
and
Austria
."

31 March 2003

With regard to the reservation made by
Bahrain
upon
accession:

"The Government of Austria has examined
the reservation to the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of
Discrimination against Women made by the Government of the
Kingdom
of
Bahrain
in its note to the Secretary-General of 18 June 2002, regarding articles 2,
9(2), 15(4) and 16.

The reservation to articles 9(2) and 15(4),
if put into practice, would inevitably result in discrimination against women
on the basis of sex. This is contrary to the object and purpose of the
Convention.

The Government of Austria further considers
that, in the absence of further clarification, the reservation to articles 2
and 16 which does not clearly specify the extent of Bahrain's derogation from
the provisions in question raises doubts as to the degree of commitment assumed
by Bahrain in becoming a party to the Convention since it refers to the
contents of Islamic Sharia.

The Government of Austria would like to
recall that, according to art. 28(2) of the Convention as well as customary
international law as codified in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties,
a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of a treaty shall not be
permitted.

It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected as to their
object and purpose, by all parties, and that States are prepared to undertake
any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the
treaties.

For these reasons, the Government of Austria
objects to this reservation made by the Government of Bahrain.

This position, however, does not preclude
the entry into force in its entirety of the Convention between
Bahrain
and
Austria
."

14 August 2003

With regard to the reservations made by the
SyrianArabRepublic
upon
accession:

"The Government of Austria has examined
the reservation made by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic upon
accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women regarding article 2, article 9, paragraph 2, article 15,
paragraph 4, article 16, paragraphs 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g) and article 16,
paragraph 2.

The Government of Austria finds that the
reservations to article 2, article 9, paragraph 2, article 15, paragraph 4,
article 16, paragraphs 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g), if put into practice, would
inevitably result in discrimination against women on the basis of sex. This is
contrary to the object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of Austria further considers
that, in the absence of further clarification, the reservation to article 16,
paragraph 2, which refers to the contents of Islamic Sharia, does not clearly
specify the extent of the reservation and therefore raises doubts as to the
degree of commitment assumed by the
SyrianArabRepublic
in becoming a party to the Convention.

The Government of Austria would like to
recall that, according to article 28 (2) of the Convention as well as customary
international law as codified in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties,
a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of a treaty shall not be
permitted.

It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected as to their
object and purpose, by all parties, and that States are prepared to undertake
any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the
treaties.

For these reasons, the Government of Austria
objects to the aforementioned reservations made by the
SyrianArabRepublic
to the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women.

This position, however, does not preclude
the entry into force in its entirety of the Convention between the
SyrianArabRepublic
and
Austria
."

5 October 2005

With regard to the reservations made by the
United Arab Emirates
upon accession:

"The Government of Austria has examined
the reservation made by the Government of the United Arab Emirates upon
accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women regarding articles 2 (f), 9, 15 (2), 16 and 29 (1).

The Government of Austria finds that the
reservations to article 2 (f), article 9, article 15 (2) and article 16, if put
into practice, would inevitably result in discrimination against women on the
basis of sex. This is contrary to the object and purpose of the
Convention.

The Government of Austria would like to
recall that, according to article 28 (2) of the Convention as well as customary
international law as codified in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties,
a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of a treaty shall not be
permitted.

It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected as to their
object and purpose, by all parties, and that States are prepared to undertake
any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the
treaties.

For these reasons, the Government of Austria
objects to the aforementioned reservations made by the
United Arab Emirates
to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women.

This position, however, does not preclude
the entry into force in its entirety of the Convention between the
United Arab Emirates
and
Austria
."

Canada

25 October 1994

With regard to the reservations made by
Maldives
upon
accession:

"In the view of the Government of
Canada, this reservation is incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention (article 28, paragraph 2). The Government of Canada therefore enters
its formal objection to this reservation. This objection shall not preclude the
entry into force of the Convention as between
Canada
and the
Republic
of
Maldives
."

Denmark

3 July 1990

With regard to the reservation made by the
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya upon accession:

"The Government of Denmark has taken
note of the reservation made by the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya when acceding [to
the said Convention]. In the view of the Government of Denmark this reservation
is subject to the general principle of treaty interpretation according to which
a party may not invoke the provisions of its internal law as justification for
failure to perform a treaty."

"The Government of Denmark finds that
the reservations made by the Government of Niger are not in conformity with the
object and purpose of the Convention. The provisions in respect of which
Niger
has made
reservations cover fundamental rights of women and establish key elements for
the elimination of discrimination against women. For this reason, the
Government of Denmark objects to the said reservations made by the Government
of Niger.

The Convention remains in force in its
entirety between
Niger
and
Denmark
.

It is the opinion of the Government of
Denmark, that no time limit applies to objections against reservations, which
are inadmissible under international law.

The Government of Denmark recommends the
Government of Niger to reconsider its reservations to the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women."

10 August 2001

With regard to the reservations made by
Saudi Arabia
upon ratification:

"The Government of Denmark has examined
the reservations made by the Government of Saudi Arabia upon ratification on
the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
as to any interpretation of the provisions of the Convention that is
incompatible with the norms of Islamic law.

The Government of Denmark finds that the
general reservation with reference to the provisions of Islamic law are of
unlimited scope and undefined character. Consequently, the Government of
Denmark considers the said reservations as being incompatible with the object
and purpose of the Convention and accordingly inadmissible and without effect under
international law.

The Government of Denmark furthermore notes
that the reservation to paragraph 2 of article 9 of the Convention aims to
exclude one obligation of non-discrimination which is the aim of the Convention
and therefore renders this reservation contrary to the essence of the
Convention.

The Government of Denmark therefore objects
to the aforesaid reservations made by the Government of the
Kingdom
of
Saudi
Arabia
to the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women.

These objections shall not preclude the
entry into force of the Convention in its entirety between
Saudi Arabia
and
Denmark
.

The Government of Denmark recommends the
Government of Saudi Arabia to reconsider its reservations to the Convention on
the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women."

21 February 2002

With regard to the reservation made by
Mauritania
upon
accession:

"The Government of Denmark has examined
the reservations made by the Government of Mauritania upon accession to the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women as
to any interpretation of the provisions of the Convention that is incompatible
with the norms of Islamic law and the Constitution in
Mauritania
.

The Government of Denmark finds that the
general reservation with reference to the provisions of Islamic law and the
Constitution are of unlimited scope and undefined character. Consequently, the
Government of Denmark considers the said reservation as being incompatible with
the object and purpose of the Convention and accordingly inadmissible and
without effect under international law.

The Government of Denmark therefore objects
to the aforesaid reservation made by the Government of Mauritania to the
Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against
Women.

This shall not preclude the entry into force
of the Convention in its entirety between
Mauritania
and
Denmark
.

The Government of Denmark recommends the
Government of Mauritania to reconsider its reservations to the Convention on
the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women."

With regard to the reservations made by the
Democratic People's Republic of
Korea
upon accession:

"The Government of Denmark has examined
the reservations made by the Democratic People's
Republic
of
Korea
upon accession to the Convention on [the] Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women in respect of paragraph (f) of article 2 and
paragraph 2 of article 9.

The Government of Denmark finds that the
reservation to paragraph (f) of article 2 aims at excluding the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea from the obligation to adopt necessary measures,
including those of a legislative character, to eliminate any form of
discrimination against women. This provision touches upon a key element for
effective elimination of discrimination against women.

The Government of Denmark furthermore notes
that the reservation to paragraph 2 of article 9 of the Convention aims to
exclude an obligation of non-discrimination, which is the aim of the
Convention.

The Government of Denmark finds that the
reservations made by the Democratic People's
Republic
of
Korea
are not in conformity with the object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of Denmark therefore objects
to the said reservation made by the Democratic People's
Republic
of
Korea
.

The Government of Denmark recommends the
Government of [the] Democratic People's
Republic
of
Korea
to reconsider its reservations to the Convention.

The Convention on [the] Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women remains in force in its entirety between
the Democratic People's
Republic
of
Korea
and
Denmark
."

28 February 2003

With regard to the reservation made by
Bahrain
upon
accession:

"The Government of Denmark has examined
the reservations made by the Government of Bahrain upon accession to the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
regarding article 2, paragraph 2 of article 9, paragraph 4 of article 15 and
article 16.

The Government of Denmark finds that the
reservation to articles 2 and 16 with reference to the provisions of Islamic
Sharia is of unlimited scope and undefined character. Consequently, the
Government of Denmark considers the said reservations as being incompatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention and accordingly inadmissible and
without effect under international law.

The Government of Denmark furthermore notes
that the reservations to paragraph 2 of article 9 and to paragraph 4 of article
15 of the Convention seek to exclude an obligation of non-discrimination, which
is the aim of the Convention. The Government of Denmark finds that these
reservations made by the Government of Bahrain are not in conformity with the
object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of Denmark therefore objects
to the aforementioned reservations made by the Government of Bahrain to the
Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
This shall not preclude the entry into force of the Convention in its entirety
between
Bahrain
and
Denmark
.

The Government of Denmark recommends the
Government of Bahrain to reconsider its reservations to the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women."

27 May 2003

With regard to the reservation made by the
SyrianArabRepublic
upon
accession:

"The Government of Denmark has examined
the reservations made by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic upon
accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women regarding article 2, article 9, paragraph 2, article 15,
paragraph 4, article 16, paragraphs 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g) and article 16,
paragraph 2 in its note of 7 April 2003, to the Secretary-General of the United
Nations distributed under reference No. C.N.267.2003.TREATIES-6.

The Government of Denmark finds that the
reservation to article 2 seeks to evade the obligation of non-discrimination,
which is the aim of the Convention. The Government of Denmark is of the view
that a general reservation to one of the core articles of the Convention raises
doubts as to the commitment of the Government of the
SyrianArabRepublic
to fulfil its
obligations under the Convention.

The Government of Denmark furthermore notes
that the reservations to article 9, paragraph 2, article 15, paragraph 4,
article 16, paragraphs 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g) and article 16, paragraph 2,
would inevitably result in discrimination against women on the basis of sex,
which is contrary to the object and purpose of the Convention. It should be
borne in mind that the principles of equal rights of men and women and of
non-discrimination on the basis of sex are set forth in the Charter of the
United Nations as one of the purposes of the organization, as well as in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.

The Government of Denmark finds that these
reservations made by the Government of the
SyrianArabRepublic
are not in
conformity with the object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of Denmark recalls that
according to article 28, paragraph 2 of the Convention, a reservation
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall not be
permitted.

The Government of Denmark therefore objects
to the aforementioned reservations made by the Government of the
SyrianArabRepublic
to the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women.

This shall not preclude the entry into force
of the Convention in its entirety between the
SyrianArabRepublic
and
Denmark
.

The Government of Denmark recommends the
Government of the
SyrianArabRepublic
to reconsider its reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women."

Estonia

1 April 2004

With regard to the reservation made by the
SyrianArabRepublic
upon
accession:

"The Government of Estonia has
carefully examined the reservations made by the Government of the Syrian Arab
Republic to Article 2, paragraph 2 of Article 9, paragraph 4 of Article 15 and
to paragraphs 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g) of Article 16 of the Convention on the
Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Article 2 of the Convention is one of the
core articles of the Convention. By making a reservation to this article, the
Government of the
SyrianArabRepublic
is making a reservation of general scope that renders the provisions of the
Convention completely ineffective. The Government of Estonia considers the
reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention.

The reservations to article 9, paragraph 2,
article 15, paragraph 4 and article 16, paragraphs 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g), if
put into practice, would inevitably result in discrimination against women on
the basis of sex, which is contrary to the object and purpose of the Convention.
It should be borne in mind that the principles of equal rights of men and women
and of non-discrimination on the basis of sex are set forth in the Charter of
the United Nations as one of the purposes of the organization, as well as in
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.

The reservation to article 16, paragraph 2,
makes a general reference to the Islamic Shariah. The Government of Estonia is
of the view that in the absence of further clarification, this reservation
which does not clearly specify the extent of the
SyrianArabRepublic
's
derogation from the provision in question raises serious doubts as to the
commitment of the
SyrianArabRepublic
to the object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of Estonia recalls that
according to article 28, paragraph 2 of the Convention, a reservation
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall not be
permitted.

The Government of Estonia therefore objects
to the afore-mentioned reservation made by the Government of the
SyrianArabRepublic
to the
Convention.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the
SyrianArabRepublic
and
Estonia
.
The Convention will thus become operative between the two States without the
SyrianArabRepublic
benefiting from
its reservations.

The Government of Estonia recommends the
Government of the
SyrianArabRepublic
to reconsider its reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women."

Finland

8 June 1990

With regard to the reservation made by the
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya upon accession (see also objection made on
16 October 1996, hereinafter, with regard to the reservation made by the
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya upon accession, as modified on 5 July 1995):

"The Government of Finland has examined
the contents of the reservation made by the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and
considers the said reservation as being incompatible with the object and
purpose of the Convention. The Government of Finland therefore enters its formal
objection to this reservation.

"This objection is not an obstacle to
the entry into force of the said Convention between
Finland
and the Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya."

5 May 1994

With regard to the reservations made by
Maldives
upon
accession:

In the view of the Government of Finland,
the unlimited and undefined character of the said reservations create serious
doubts about the commitment of the reserving State to fulfil its obligations
under the Convention. In their extensive formulation, they are clearly contrary
to the object and purpose of the Convention. Therefore, the Government of
Finland objects to such reservations.

The Government of Finland also recalls that
the said reservations are subject to the general principle of treaty
interpretation according to which a party may not invoke the provisions of its
domestic law as a justification for failure to perform its treaty
obligations.

The Government of Finland does not, however,
consider that this objection constitutes an obstacle to the entry into force of
the Convention between
Finland
and
Maldives
."

17 January 1996

With regard to the reservations made by
Kuwait
upon
accession:

"The Government of Finland recalls that
by acceding to the Convention, a State commits itself to adopt the measures
required for the elimination of discrimination, in all its forms and
manifestations, against women. In particular, article 7 requires States Parties
to undertake actions to eliminate discrimination against women in the political
and public life of the country. This is a fundamental provision of the
Convention the implementation of which is essential to fulfilling its object
and purpose.

Reservations to article 7 (a) and article 9
paragraph 2 are both subject to the general principle of the observance of
treaties according to which a party may not invoke the provisions of its
internal law as justification for its failure to perform its treaty
obligations. It is in the common interest of States that contracting parties to
international treaties are prepared to undertake the necessary legislative
changes in order to fulfill the object and purpose of the treaty.

Furthermore, in the view of the Government
of Finland, the unlimited and undefined character of the reservation to
article 16 (f) leaves open to what extent the reserving State commits
itself to the Convention and therefore creates serious doubts about the
commitment of the reserving State to fulfil its obligations under the
Convention. Reservations of such unspecified nature may contribute to
undermining the basis of international human rights treaties.

In their present formulation the
reservations are clearly incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention and therefore inadmissible under article 28 paragraph 2, of the said
Convention. Therefore, the Government of Finland objects to these reservations.
The Government of Finland further notes that the reservations made by the
Government of Kuwait are devoid of legal effect.

The Government of Finland recommends the
Government of Kuwait to reconsider its reservations to the [said]
Convention."

16 October 1996

With regard to the reservation made by the
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya upon accession, as modified (see objection under
8 June 1990 and note 28):

"A reservation which consists of a
general reference to religious law without specifying its contents does not
clearly define to the other Parties of the Convention the extent to which the
reserving State commits itself to the Convention and therefore may cast doubts
about the commitment of the reserving State to fulfil its obligations under the
Convention. Such a reservation is also, in the view of the Government of
Finland, subject to the general principle of the observance of treaties
according to which a Party may not invoke the provisions of its internal law as
justification for failure to perform a treaty."

With regard to the reservations made by
Malaysia
upon
accession:

"The reservations made by Malaysia,
consisting of a general reference to religious and national law without
specifying the contents thereof and without stating unequivocally the
provisions the legal effect of which may be excluded or modified, do not
clearly define to the other Parties of the Convention the extent to which the
reserving State commits itself to the Convention and therefore creates serious
doubts about the commitment of the reserving State to fulfill its obligations
under the Convention. Reservations of such unspecified nature may contribute to
undermining the basis of international human rights treaties.

The Government of Finland also recalls that
the reservations of
Malaysia
are subject to the general principles of observance of treaties according to
which a party may not invoke the provisions of its internal law as
justification for failure to perform its treaty obligations. It is in the
common interest of States that Parties to international treaties are prepared
to take the necessary legislative changes in order to fulfil the object and
purpose of the treaty.

Furthermore, the reservations made by
Malaysia
, in
particular to articles 2 (f) and 5 (a), are two fundamental provisions of the
Convention the implementation of which is essential to fulfilling its object
and purpose.

The Government of Finland considers that in
their present formulation the reservations made by
Malaysia
are clearly incompatible
with the object and purpose of the said Convention and therefore inadmissible
under article 28, paragraph 2, of the said Convention. In view of the above,
the Government of Finland objects to these reservations and notes that they are
devoid of legal effect."

1 November 1996

With regard to the reservations made by
Lesotho
upon
ratification:

[Same objection, mutatis
mutandis, as the one made for
Malaysia
.]

21 November 1996

With regard to the reservations made by
Singapore
upon
accession:

[Same objection, mutatis mutandis, as the one made
for Malaysia.]

6 June 1997

With regard to the declaration made by
Pakistan
upon
accession:

[Same objection, mutatis mutandis, as the one made
for
Malaysia
.]

24 October 2000

With regard to the reservations made by
Niger
upon
accession:

" The Government of Finland notes that
the reservations [..] are not in conformity with the object and purpose of the
Convention. By acceding to the Convention, a State commits itself to adopt the
measures required for the elimination of discrimination against women, in all
its forms and manifestations. This includes taking appropriate measures,
including legislation, to modify or abolish i.e. customs and practices which
constitute discrimination against women.

As it appears evident that the Government of
the
Republic
of
Niger
will not apply the Convention with
a view to fulfilling its treaty obligations to eliminate all forms of
discrimination against women and submits reservations to some of the most
essential provisions of the Convention, the above-mentioned reservations are in
contradiction with the object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of Finland recalls Part VI,
Article 28 of the Convention according to which reservations incompatible with
object and purpose of the Convention are not permitted.

The Government of Finland therefore objects
to the above-mentioned reservations made by the Government of Niger to the
Convention.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between
Niger
and
Finland
.
The Convention will thus become operative between the two states without
benefitting from the reservations."

8 October 2002

With regard to the reservations made by
Saudi Arabia
upon ratification:

"The Government of Finland has examined
the contents of the reservations made by the Government of Saudi Arabia to the
Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against
Women.

The Government of Finland recalls that by
acceding to the Convention, a State commits itself to adopt the measures
required for the elimination of discrimination, in all its forms and
manifestations, against women.

A reservation which consists of a general
reference to religious law and national law without specifying its contents, as
the first part of the reservation made by Saudi Arabia, does not clearly define
to other Parties to the Convention the extent to which the reserving State
commits itself to the Convention and therefore creates serious doubts as to the
commitment of the reserving State to fulfil its obligations under the
Convention.

Furthermore, reservations are subject to the
general principle of treaty interpretation according to which a party may not
invoke the provisions of its domestic law as justification for a failure to
perform its treaty obligations.

As the reservation to Paragraph 2 of Article
9 aims to exclude one of the fundamental obligations under the Convention, it
is the view of the Government of Finland that the reservation is not compatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of Finland also recalls Part
VI, Article 28 of the Convention according to which reservations incompatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention are not permitted.

The Government of Finland therefore objects
to the above-mentioned reservations made by the Government of Saudi Arabia to
the Convention.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between Saudi Arabia and Finland. The Convention
will thus become operative between the two States without Saudi Arabia
benefiting from the reservations."

5 March 2002

With regard to the reservations made by the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea upon accession:

"The Government of Finland has
carefully examined the contents of the reservations made by the Government of
the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the Convention on the Elimination
of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

The Government of Finland recalls that by
acceding to the Convention, a State commit itself to adopt the measures
required for the elimination of discrimination, in all its forms and
manifestations, against women.

The Government of Finland notes that the
reservation to paragraph (f) of Article 2 aims at excluding the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea from the obligations to adopt necessary measures,
including those of a legislative character, to eliminate any form of
discrimination against women. This provision touches upon a key element for
effective elimination of discrimination against women.

The Government of Finland further notes that
the reservation to paragraph 2 of Article 9 of the Convention aims to exclude
an obligation of non-discrimination, which is the aim of the
Convention.

The Government of Finland also recalls Part
VI, Article 28 of the Convention according to which reservations incompatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention are not permitted.

The Government of Finland finds that the
reservations made by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are not in
conformity with the object and purpose of the Convention and therefore objects
to the said reservations.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the People's Democratic Republic of Korea
and Finland. The Convention will thus become operative between the two States
with the People's Democratic Republic of Korea benefiting from the
reservations."

20 May 2002

With regard to the reservation made by
Mauritania upon accession:

"The Government of Finland has
carefully examined the contents of the reservation made by the Government of
Mauritania to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination
Against Women.

The Government of Finland notes that a
reservation which consists of a general reference to religious or other
national law without specifying its contents does not clearly define to other
Parties to the Convention the extent to which the reserving State commits
itself to the Convention and therefore creates serious doubts as to the
commitment of the reserving State to fulfil its obligations under the
Convention.

Furthermore, reservations are subject to the
general principle of treaty interpretation according to which a party may not
invoke the provisions of its domestic law as justification for a failure to
perform its treaty obligations.

The Government of Finland recalls Part VI,
Article 28 of the Convention according to which reservations incompatible with
the object and purpose of the Convention are not permitted.

The Government of Finland therefore objects
to the above-mentioned reservation made by the Government of Mauritania to the
Convention.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between Mauritania and Finland. The Convention
will thus become operative between the two states without Mauritania benefiting
from the reservations."

10 March 2003

With regard to the reservations made by
Bahrain upon accession:

"The Government of Finland has
carefully examined the contents of the reservations made by the Government of
Bahrain to Article 2, paragraph 2 of Article 9, paragraph 4 of Article 15 and
to Article 16 of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination Against Women.

The Government of Finland notes that a
reservation which consists of a general reference to religious or other
national law without specifying its contents does not clearly define to other
Parties to the Convention the extent to which the reserving State commits
itself to the Convention and therefore creates serious doubts as to the commitment
of the receiving State to fulfil its obligations under the Convention. Such
reservations are subject to the general principle of treaty interpretation
according to which a party may not invoke the provisions of its domestic law as
justification for a failure to perform its treaty obligations.

The Government of Finland further notes that
the reservations made by Bahrain, addressing some of the most essential
provisions of the Convention, and aiming to exclude some of the fundamental
obligations under it, are in contradiction with the object and purpose of the
Convention.

The Government of Finland also recalls Part
VI, Article 28 of the Convention according to which reservations incompatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention are not permitted.

The Government of Finland therefore objects
to the above-mentioned reservations made by the Government of Bahrain to the
Convention.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between Bahrain and Finland. The Convention will
thus become operative between the two states without Bahrain benefiting from
its reservations."

17 June 2003

With regard to the reservations made by the
Syrian Arab Republic upon accession:

"The Government of Finland has
carefully examined the contents of the reservations made by the Government of
the Syrian Arab Republic to Article 2, paragraph 2 of Article 9, paragraph 4 of
Article 15 and to paragraphs 1(c), (d), (f) and (g) of Article 16 of the
Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against
Women.

The Government of Finland notes that a
reservation which consists of a general reference to religious or other
national law without specifying its contents does not clearly define for other
Parties to the Convention the extent to which the reserving State commits
itself to the Convention and therefore creates serious doubts as to the
commitment of the reserving State to fulfil its obligations under the
Convention. Such reservations are subject to the general principle of treaty
interpretation according to which a party may not invoke the provisions of its
domestic law as justification for a failure to perform its treaty
obligations.

The Government of Finland further notes that
the reservations made by the Syrian Arab Republic, addressing some of the most
essential provisions of the Convention, and aiming to exclude some of the
fundamental obligations under it, are incompatible with the object and purpose
of the Convention.

The Government of Finland also recalls Part
VI, Article 28, of the Convention, according to which reservations incompatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention are not permitted.

The Government of Finland therefore objects
to the afore-mentioned reservations made by the Government of the Syrian Arab
Republic to the Convention.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Syrian Arab Republic and Finland. The
Convention will thus become operative between the two states without the Syrian
Arab Republic benefiting from its reservations."

7 September 2005

With regard to the reservations made by
Micronesia (Federated States of) upon accession:

"The Government of Finland has
carefully examined the contents of the reservations made by the Government of
the Federated States of Micronesia to paragraph (f) of Article 2, Article 5,
paragraphs 1 (d) and 2 (b) of Article 11 and Article 16 of the Convention on
the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

The Government of Finland recalls that by
acceding to the Convention, a State commit itself to adopt the measures
required for the elimination of discrimination, in all its forms and
manifestations, against women.

The Government of Finland notes that the
reservations made by Micronesia, addressing some of the most essential
provisions of the Convention, and aiming to exclude the obligations under those
provisions, are in contradiction with the object and purpose of the
Convention.

The Government of Finland also recalls Part
VI, Article 28 of the Convention according to which reservations incompatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention are not permitted.

The Government of Finland therefore objects
to the ab0ve-mentioned reservations made by the Government of the Federated
States of Micronesia to the Convention. This objection does not preclude the
entry into force of the Convention between Micronesia and Finland. The
Convention will thus become operative between the two states without Micronesia
benefiting from its reservations".

15 November 2005

With regard to the reservations made by the
United Arab Emirates upon accession:

"The Government of Finland has
carefully examined the contents of the reservations made by the Government of
the United Arab Emirates to paragraph (f) of Article 2, Article 9, paragraph
(2) of Article 15 and Article 16 of the Convention on the Elimination of all
Forms of Discrimination Against Women,

The Government of Finland recalls that by
acceding to the Convention, a State commits itself to adopt the measures
required for the elimination of discrimination, in all its forms and
manifestations, against women.

The Government of Finland notes that a
reservation which consists of a general reference to religious or other
national law without specifying its contents does not clearly define to other
Parties to the Convention the extent to which the reserving State commits
itself to the Convention and creates serious doubts as to the commitment of the
receiving State to fulfil its obligations under the Convention. Such
reservations are, furthermore, subject to the general principle of treaty
interpretation according to which a party may not invoke the provisions of its
domestic law as justification for a failure to perform its treaty
obligations.

The Government of Finland notes that the
reservations made by the United Arab Emirates, addressing some of the most
essential provisions of the Convention, and aiming to exclude the obligations
under those provisions, are in contradiction with the object and purpose of the
Convention.

The Government of Finland also recalls Part
VI, Article 28 of the Convention according to which reservations incompatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention are not permitted.

The Government of Finland therefore objects
to the above-mentioned reservations made by the Government of the United Arab
Emirates to the Convention. This objection does not preclude the entry into
force of the Convention between the United Arab Emirates and Finland. The
Convention will thus become operative between the two states without the United
Arab Emirates benefiting from its reservations."

France

26 June 2001

With regard to reservations made by Saudi
Arabia upon ratification:

The Government of the French Republic has
examined the reservations made by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women, adopted in New York on 18 December 1979. By stating that in case of
contradiction between any term of the Convention and the norms of Islamic law,
it is not under obligation to observe the terms of the Convention, the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia formulates a reservation of general, indeterminate scope that
gives the other States parties absolutely no idea which provisions of the
Convention are affected or might be affected in future. The Government of the
French Republic believes that the reservation could make the provisions of the
Convention completely ineffective and therefore objects to it. The second
reservation, concerning article 9, paragraph 2, rules out equality of rights
between men and women with respect to the nationality of their children and the
Government of the French Republic therefore objects to it.

These objections do not preclude the
Convention's entry into force between Saudi Arabia and France. The reservation
rejecting the means of dispute settlement provided for in article 29,
paragraph 1, of the Convention is in conformity with the provisions of article
29, paragraph 2.

4 March 2002

With regard to reservations made by the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea upon accession:

Having considered the reservations and
declarations made on 27 February 2001 by the Democratic People's Republic of
Korea to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women of 18 December 1979, the Government of the French Republic
objects to the said reservations and declarations relating to article 2,
paragraph (f) and article 9, paragraph 2.

25 April 2003

With regard to reservations made by Bahrain
upon accession:

The Government of the Republic of France has
examined the reservations made by the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain upon
accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women of 18 December 1979. The Government of the Republic of France
considers that, by making the implementation of articles 2 and 16 of the
Convention subject to respect for the Islamic Shariah, the Government of the
Kingdom of Bahrain is making two reservations of such a general and
indeterminate scope that it is not possible to ascertain which changes to
obligations under the Convention they are intended to introduce. Consequently,
the Government of France considers that the reservations as formulated could
make the provisions of the Convention completely ineffective. For these
reasons, the Government objects to the reservations made in respect of articles
2 and 16 of the Convention, which it considers to be reservations likely to be
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of France objects to the
reservations made in respect of article 9, paragraph 2, and article 15,
paragraph 4, of the Convention.

The Government of France notes that these
objections shall not preclude the entry into force of the Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination against Women between Bahrain and
France.

21 July 2003

With regard to reservations made by the
Syrian Arab Republic upon accession:

[The Government of the French Republic has
examined the reservations made by the Syrian Arab Republic upon its accession
to the 1979 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women.

The Government of the French Republic
considers that, by making a reservation to article 2 of the Convention, the
Government of the Syrian Arab Republic is making a reservation of general scope
that renders the provisions of the Convention completely ineffective. For this
reason, the French Government objects to the reservation, which it considers to
be incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.

The French Government objects to the
reservations made to article 9, paragraph 2, article 15, paragraph 4, and
article 16, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the Convention. The French Government notes
that these objections do not preclude the entry into force of the 1979
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
between Syria and France.

18 November 2005

With regard to the reservations made by the
United Arab Emirates upon accession:

The Government of the French Republic has
examined the reservations formulated by the United Arab Emirates upon accession
to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women, of 18 December 1979, according to which the United Arab Emirates, on the
one hand, does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 2 (f) and
article 15, paragraph 2, because they are contrary to the sharia and, on the
other, states that it will abide by the provisions of article 16 insofar as they
are not in conflict with the principles of the sharia. The Government of the
French Republic considers that, by precluding the application of these
provisions, or by making it subject to the principles of the sharia, the United
Arab Emirates is formulating reservations with a general scope depriving the
provisions of the Convention of any effect. The Government of the French
Republic considers that these reservations are contrary to the object and
purpose of the Convention and enters an objection thereto. The Government of
the French Republic also objects to the reservation formulated to article 9.
These objections shall not preclude the entry into force of the Convention
between France and the United Arab Emirates.

The Federal Republic of Germany considers
that the reservations made by Egypt regarding article 2, article 9,
paragraph 2, and article 16, by Bangladesh regarding article 2, article 13
(a) and article 16, paragraph 1 (c), and (f), by Brazil regarding article 15,
paragraph 4, and article 16, paragraph 1 (a), (c), (g) and (h), by Jamaica
regarding article 9, paragraph 2, by the Republic of Korea regarding article 9
and article 16, paragraph 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g), and by Mauritius regarding
article 11, paragraph 1 (b) and (d), and article 16, paragraph 1 (g), are
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention (article 28,
paragraph 2) and therefore objects to them. In relation to the Federal Republic
of Germany, they may not be invoked in support of a legal practice which does
not pay due regard to the legal status afforded to women and children in the
Federal Republic of Germany in conformity with the above-mentioned articles of
the Convention. This objection shall not preclude the entry into force of the
Convention as between Egypt, Bangladesh, Brazil, Jamaica, the Republic of
Korea, Mauritius and the Federal Republic of Germany.

Objections of the same nature were also
formulated by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany in regard to
reservations made by various states, as follows:

i) 15 October 1986: In respect of
reservations formulated by the Government of Thailand concerning article 9,
paragraph 2, article 10, article 11, paragraph 1 (b), article 15, paragraph 3
and article 16; (The Federal Republic of Germany also holds the view that the
reservation made by Thailand regarding article 7 of the Convention is likewise
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention because for all
matters which concern national security it reserves in a general and thus
unspecific manner the right of the Royal Thai Government to apply the
provisions only within the limits established by national laws, regulations and
practices).

ii) 15 October 1986: In respect of
reservations and some declarations formulated by the Government of Tunisia
concerning article 9, paragraph 2 and article 16, as well as the declaration
concerning article 15, paragraph 4.

iii) 3 March 1987: In respect of
reservations made by the Government of Turkey to article 15, paragraphs 2 and
4, and article 16, paragraph 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g); in respect of
reservations made by the Government of Iraq with regard to article 2,
paragraphs (f) and (g), article 9 and article 16.

iv) 7 April 1988: In respect of the first
reservation made by Malawi.

v) 20 June 1990: In respect of the
reservation made by the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

vi) 24 October 1994: In respect of the
reservations made by Maldives.

vii) 8 October 1996: In respect of the
reservations made by Malaysia.

viii) 28 May 1997: In respect of the
declaration made by Pakistan.

ix) 19 June 1997: In respect of the
reservation made by Algeria.

19 January 2001

With regard to the reservations made by Saudi
Arabia upon ratification:

"The Government of the Federal Republic
of Germany is of the view that the reservation, with regard to compatibility of
CEDAW rules with Islamic law, raises doubts as to the commitment of the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia to CEDAW. The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany
considers this reservation to be incompatible with the object and purpose of
the Convention.

The Government of the Federal Republic of
Germany notes furthermore that the reservation to Paragraph 2 of article 9 of
CEDAW aims to exclude one obligation of non-discrimination which is so
important in the context of CEDAW as to render this reservation contrary to the
essence of the Convention.

The Government of the Federal Republic of
Germany therefore objects to the aforesaid reservations made by the Government
of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination against Women.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Federal Republic of Germany and the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

2 October 2001

With regard to the reservations made by the
Decmocatic People's Republic of Korea upon accession:

"The Government of the Federal Republic
of Germany has examined the reservations to the Convention on the Elimination
of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) made by the Government of
the Democratic People's Republic of Korea upon its accession to the Convention.
The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany is of the view that the reservations
to article 2 paragraph (f) and article 9 paragraph 2 of CEDAW are incompatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention, for they aim at excluding the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea's obligations in respect of two basic
aspects of the Convention.

The Government of the Federal Republic of
Germany therefore objects to the aforesaid reservations made by the Government
of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the Convention on all Forms of
Discrimination against Women.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Federal Republic of Germany and the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

14 March 2002

With regard to the reservation made by
Mauritania upon accession:

"The Government of the Federal Republic
of Germany has examined the reservation to the Convention on the Elimination of
all Forms of Discrimination against Women made by the Government of Mauritania
at the time of its accession to the Convention. The Government of the Federal
Republic of Germany is of the view that the reservation with regard to the
compatibility of the rules of the Convention with the precepts of Islamic
Sharia and the Constitution of Mauritania raises doubts as to the commitment of
Mauritania to fulfil its obligations under the Convention. The Government of
the Federal Republic of Germany considers this reservation to be incompatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention. Therefore the Government of the
Federal Republic of Germany objects to the aforesaid reservation made by the
Government of Mauritania to the Convention.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Federal Republic of Germany and
Mauritania."

18 February 2003

With regard to the reservations made by
Bahrain upon accession:

"The Government of the Federal Republic
of Germany has examined the reservations to the Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination against Women made by the Government of the
Kingdom of Bahrain at the time of accession to the Convention.

The Government of the Federal Republic of
Germany is of the view that the reservations with regard to the compatibility
of the rules of articles 2 and 16 of the Convention with the precepts of
Islamic Shariah raises doubts as to the commitment of the Kingdom of Bahrain to
fulfil its obligations under the Convention. These reservations are therefore
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.

The reservations to article 9 paragraph 2
and article 15 paragraph 4, if put into practice, would inevitably result in
discrimination against women on the basis of sex, which is incompatible with
the object and purpose of the Convention.

According to article 28 paragraph 2 of the
Convention reservations incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention shall not be permitted.

Therefore, the Government of the Federal
Republic of Germany objects to the aforesaid reservations made by the
Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Convention.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Federal Republic of Germany and the
Kingdom of Bahrain."

25 August 2003

With regard to the reservations made by the
Syrian Arab Republic upon accession:

"The Government of the Federal Republic
of Germany has examined the reservations made by the Government of the Syrian
Arab Republic to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women in respect of Article 2; Article 9, paragraph 2;
Article 15, paragraph 4; Article 16, paragraph 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g); and
Article 16, paragraph 2.

The Government of the Federal Republic of
Germany finds that the aforesaid reservations would allow to limit the
responsibilities of the reserving State with regard to essential provisions of
the Convention and therefore raise doubts as to the commitment assumed by this
State in acceding to the Convention.

Consequently, the Government of the Federal
Republic of Germany considers that these reservations are incompatible with the
object and purpose of the Convention.

According to Article 28, paragraph 2 of the
Convention reservations incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention shall not be permitted.

The Government of the Federal Republic of
Germany therefore objects to the aforementioned reservations made by the
Government of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Federal Republic of Germany and the
Syrian Arab Republic."

9 November 2005

With regard to the reservations made by the
United Arab Emirates upon accession:

The Government of the Federal Republic of
Germany has carefully examined the reservations made by the Government of the
United Arab Emirates upon accession to the International Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. It is of the opinion
that from the reservations to Article 2 (f), Article 15 (2) and Article 16,
which give a specific legal system, the Islamic Sharia, precedence as a rule
over the provisions of the Convention, it is unclear to what extent the UAE
feels bound by the obligations of the Convention.

Moreover, the reservations to Article 9 (2) and
Article 15 (2) would in practice result in a legal situation that discriminated
against women, which would not be compatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention.

Pursuant to Article 28 (2) of the
Convention, reservations that are incompatible with the object and purpose of
the present Convention shall not be permitted.

The Government of the Federal Republic of
Germany therefore objects to the above-mentioned reservations made by the
Government of the United Arab Emirates to the Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. This objection shall not preclude
the entry into force of the Convention between the Federal Republic of Germany
and the United Arab Emirates.

Greece

13 June 2003

With regard to reservations made by Bahrain
upon accession:

"The Government of the Hellenic
Republic has examined the reservations made by the Government of the Kingdom of
Bahrain upon accession to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination Against Women.

The Government of the Hellenic Republic
considers that the reservations with respect to articles 2 and 16, which
contain a reference to the provisions of the Islamic Sharia are of unlimited
scope and, therefore, incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention.

The Government of the Hellenic Republic
recalls that, according to article 28 (para 2) of the Convention, a reservation
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall not be
permitted.

The Government of the Hellenic Republic
therefore objects to the aforementioned reservations made by the Government of
the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination Against Women. This shall not preclude the entry into force of
the Convention in its entirety between Bahrain and Greece."

4 March 2004

With regard to the reservations made by the
Syrian Arab Republic upon accession:

"The Government of the Hellenic
Republic has examined the reservations made by the Government of the Syrian
Arab Republic upon accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women.

The Government of the Hellenic Republic is
of the view that the reservation with respect to article 2, which is a core provision
of the Convention, is of a general character and is, therefore, contrary to the
object and purpose of the Convention.

It also considers that the reservation
regarding article 16, paragraph 2 which contains a reference to the provisions
of the Islamic Shariah is of unlimited scope and is, similarly, incompatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of the Hellenic Republic
recalls that according to article 28 paragraph 2 of the Convention, a
reservation which is incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention
shall not be permitted.

Consequently, the Government of the Hellenic
Republic objects to the aforementioned reservations made by the Government of
the Syrian Arab Republic to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women. This shall not preclude the entry into force of
the Convention between Syria and Greece."

4 October 2005

With regard to the reservations made by the
United Arab Emirates upon accession:

"The Government of the Hellenic
Republic have examined the reservations made by the Government of the United
Arab Emirates upon accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women (New York, 18 December 1979).

The Government of the Hellenic Republic
consider that the reservations in respect of Articles 2 (f), which is a core
provision of the above Convention, 15 paragraph 2 and 16, all containing a
reference to the provisions of the Islamic Shariah, are of unlimited scope and,
therefore, incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of the Hellenic Republic
recall that, according to Article 28 paragraph 2 of the Convention, a
reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall
not be permitted.

Consequently, the Government of the Hellenic
Republic object to the aforementioned reservations made by the Government of
the United Arab Emirates. This objection shall not preclude the entry into
force of the Convention between Greece and the United Arab Emirates."

Ireland

2 October 2001

With regard to the reservations made by
Saudi Arabia upon ratification:

"The Government of Ireland has examined
the reservation made, on 7 September 2000, by the Government of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women, in respect of any divergence between the terms of
the Convention and the norms of Islamic law. It has also examined the
reservation made on the same date by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia to Article 9, paragraph 2 of the Convention concerning the granting to
women of equal rights with men with respect to the nationality of their
children.

As to the former of the aforesaid
reservations, the Government of Ireland is of the view that a reservation which
consists of a general reference to religious law without specifying the content
thereof and which does not clearly specify the provisions of the Convention to
which it applies and the extent of the derogation therefrom, may cast doubts on
the commitment of the reserving State to fulfil its obligations under the
Convention. The Government of Ireland is furthermore of the view that such a
general reservation may undermine the basis of international treaty
law.

As to the reservation to Article 9,
paragraph 2 of the Convention, the Government of Ireland considers that such a
reservation aims to exclude one obligation of non-discrimination which is so
important in the context of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women as to render this reservation contrary to the
essence of the Convention. The Government of Ireland notes in this connection
that Article 28, paragraph 2 of the Convention provides that a reservation
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall not be
permitted.

The Government of Ireland moreover recalls
that by ratifying the Convention, a State commits itself to adopt the measures
required for the elimination of discrimination, in all its forms and
manifestations, against women.

The Government of Ireland therefore objects
to the aforesaid reservations made by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between Ireland and the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia."

Italy

2 September 2003

With regard to the reservations made by the
Syrian Arab Republic upon accession:

"The Government of Italy has examined
the reservations made by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic at the time
of its accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women, regarding article 2, article 9, paragraph 2,
article 15, paragraph 4, article 16, paragraph 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g), and
article 16, paragraph 2.

The Government of Italy considers that the
reservations to article 2, article 9, paragraph 2, article 15, paragraph 4,
article 16, paragraph 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g) are incompatible with the object
and purpose of the above-mentioned Convention, as they contrast with the
commitment of all parties to an effective implementation of the basic
principles established in the Convention.

Furthermore, the Government of Italy
underlines that the reservation with respect to article 16, paragraph 2, of the
Convention, concerning the Islamic Sharia of the Syrian Arab Republic, may
limit the responsibilities and obligations of the reserving State under the
Convention, and therefore raises serious doubts about the real extent of the
commitment undertaken by the Syrian Arab Republic at the time of its accession
to the Convention.

The Government of Italy recalls that,
according to article 28, paragraph 2 of the Convention, a reservation
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall not be
permitted.

As a consequence, the Government of Italy
objects to the above-mentioned reservations made by the Syrian Arab Republic
the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women.

This objection, however, shall not preclude
the entry into force of the Convention between the Government of Italy and the
Syrian Arab Republic."

Latvia

4 October 2005

With regard to the reservations made by the
United Arab Emirates upon accession:

"The Government of the Republic of
Latvia has carefully examined the reservations made by the United Arab Emirates
to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women upon accession to the Convention regarding Article 2 (f), Article 15 (2),
and Article 16 thereof.

The Government of the Republic of Latvia
considers that the reservations made by the United Arab Emirates contain
general reference to national law without making specific reference to the
extent of the obligations the United Arab Emirates are accepting.

Moreover, the Government of the Republic of
Latvia is of the opinion that these reservations contradict to the object and
purpose of the Convention and in particular to obligation all States Parties to
pursue by all appropriate means and without delay a policy of eliminating
discrimination against women.

The Government of the Republic of Latvia
recalls Part VI, Article 28 of the Convention setting out that reservations incompatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention are not permitted.

The Government of the Republic of Latvia
therefore objects to the aforesaid reservations made by the United Arab
Emirates to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women.

However, this objection shall not preclude
the entry into force of the Convention between the Republic of Latvia and the
United Arab Emirates."

Mexico

11 January 1985

The Government of the United Mexican States
has studied the content of the reservations made by Mauritius to article 11,
paragraph 1 (b) and (d), and article 16, paragraph 1 (g), of the Convention and
has concluded that they should be considered invalid in the light of article
28, paragraph 2, of the Convention, because they are incompatible with its
object and purpose.

Indeed, these reservations, if implemented,
would inevitably result in discrimination against women on the basis of sex,
which is contrary to all the articles of the Convention. The principles of
equal rights of men and women and non-discrimination on the basis of sex, which
are embodied in the second preambular paragraph and Article 1, paragraph 3, of
the Charter of the United Nations, to which Mauritius is a signatory, and in
articles 2 and 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, were
previously accepted by the Government of Mauritius when it acceded, on 12
December 1973, to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The above
principles were stated in article 2, paragraph 1, and article 3 of the former
Covenant and in article 2, paragraph 2, and article 3 of the latter.
Consequently, it is inconsistent with these contractual obligations previously
assumed by Mauritius for its Government now to claim that it has reservations,
on the same subject, about the 1979 Convention.

The objection of the Government of the
United Mexican States to the reservations in question should not be interpreted
as an impediment to the entry into force of the 1979 Convention between the
United Mexican States and Mauritius.

Objections, identical in essence, mutatis
mutandis, were also formulated by the Government of Mexico in regard to
reservations made by various States, as follows [for the States which were not
Parties to the Covenants (marked below with an asterisk *), the
participation in the Covenants was not invoked by Mexico in its objection with
regard to reservations]:

ii) 21 February 1985: In respect of the
reservation by Jamaica concerning article 9 (2).

iii) 22 May 1985: In respect of reservations
by New Zealand (applicable to the Cook Islands) concerning article 2 (f) and
article 5 (a).

iv) 6 June 1985: In respect of reservations
by the Republic of Korea concerning article 9 and article 16, paragraph 1 (c),
(d), (e), (f) and (g). In this case, the Government of Mexico stated that the
principles of the equal rights of men and women and of non-discrimination on
the basis of sex, which are set forth in the Charter of the United Nations as
one of its purposes in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and in
various multilateral instruments, have already become general principles of
international law which apply to the international community, to which the
Republic of Korea belongs.

v) 29 January 1986: In respect of the
reservation made by Cyprus to article 9, paragraph 2.

vi) 7 May 1986: In respect of the
reservations made by Turkey* to paragraphs 2 and 4 of article 15 and
paragraphs 1 (c), 1 (d), 1 (f) and 1 (g) of article 16.

vii) 16 July 1986: In respect of
reservations made by Egypt to articles 9 and 16.

"These objections shall not preclude
the entry into force of the Convention as between Bangladesh, Egypt, Brazil,
Iraq, Mauritius, Jamaica, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey,
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malawi and the Kingdom of the
Netherlands."

14 July1994

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands considers that the declarations made by India regarding article 5
(a) and article 16, paragraph 1. of the Convention are reservations
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention (article 28,
paragraph 2).

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands considers that the declaration made by India regarding article 16,
paragraph 2, of the Convention is a reservation incompatible with the object
and purpose of the Convention (article 28, para. 2).

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands considers that the declaration made by Morocco expressing the
readiness of Morocco to apply the provisions of article 2 provided that they do
not conflict with the provisions of the Islamic Shariah, is a
reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention (article
28, paragraph 2).

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands considers that the declaration made by Morocco regarding article
15, paragraph 4, of the Convention is a reservation incompatible with the
object and purpose of the Convention (article 28, paragraph 2).

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands considers that the reservations made by Morocco regarding article
9, paragraph 2, and article 16 of the Convention are reservations incompatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention (article 28, paragraph
2).

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands has examined the reservations made by the Maldives [...]. The
Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands considers the said reservations
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands objects to the above-mentioned declarations and
reservations.

These objections shall not preclude the
entry into force of the Convention as between India, Morocco, the Maldives and
the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

16 January 1996

With regard to the reservations made by
Kuwait upon accession:

"The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands considers the reservations made by Kuwait incompatible with the
object and purpose of the Convention (article 28, paragraph 2).

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands therefore objects to the [said] reservations. These objections
shall not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between Kuwait and
the Kingdom of the Netherlands."

15 October 1996

With regard to the reservations made by
Malaysia upon accession:

"The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands considers ... that such reservations, which seeks to limit the
responsibilities of the reserving State under the Convention by invoking the
general principles of national law and the Constitution, may raise doubts as to
the commitment of this State to the object and purpose of the Convention and,
moreover contribute to undermining the basis of international treaty law. It is
in the common interest of States that treaties to which they have chosen to
become parties should be respected, as to object and purpose, by all
parties.

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands further considers that the reservations made by Malaysia regarding
article 2 (f), article 5 (a), article 9 and article 16 of the Convention are
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands therefore objects to the above-mentioned reservations. This
objection shall not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between the
Kingdom of the Netherlands and Malaysia."

1 November 1996

With regard to the reservations made by Fiji
upon accession and Lesotho upon ratification:

[Same objection, mutatis mutandis, as the one made
for Malaysia.]

20 November 1996

With regard to the reservations made by
Singapore upon accession:

"The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands ... considers:

- that the reservation under (1) is
incompatible with the purpose of the Convention;

- that the reservation under (2) suggests a
distinction between migrating men and migrating women, and by that is an
implicit reservation regarding article 9 of the Convention, which is
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention;

- that the reservation under (3),
particularly the last part "...and considers that legislation in respect
of article 11 is unnecessary for the minority of women who do not fall within
the ambit of Singapore's employment legislation" is a reservation, which
seeks to limit the responsibilities of the reserving State under the Convention
by invoking the general principles of its national law, and in this particular
case to exclude the application of the said article for a specific category of
women, and therefore may raise doubts as to the commitment of this State to the
object and purpose of the Convention and, moreover, contribute to undermining the
basis of international treaty law. It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become parties should be respected, as to
object and purpose, by all parties;

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands therefore objects to the above-mentioned reservations.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between Singapore and the Kingdom of the
Netherlands."

30 May 1997

With regard to the declaration made by
Pakistan upon accession:

[Same objection, mutatis mutandis, as the one made
for Malaysia.]

1 July 1997

With regard to the reservations made by
Algeria upon accession:

[Same objection, mutatis mutandis, as the one made
for Malaysia.]

15 May 1998

With regard to the reservations regading article
9, paragraph 2, and article 16 first paragraph (c), (d), (f) and (g)
made by Lebanon upon accession:

[Same objection, mutatis mutandis, as the one made
for Kuwait.]

18 September 2001

With regard to the reservations made by
Saudi Arabia upon ratification:

"The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands has examined the reservations made by the Government of Saudi
Arabia at the time of its [ratification of] the Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands considers that the reservation concerning the national law of Saudi
Arabia, which seeks to limit the responsibilities of the reserving State under
the Convention by invoking national law, may raise doubts as to the commitment
of this State to the object and purpose of the Convention and, moreover,
contribute to undermining the basis of international treaty law.

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands furthermore considers that the reservation made by Saudi Arabia
regarding article 9, paragraph 2, of the Convention is incompatible with the
object and purpose of the Convention. The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands recalls that according to paragraph 2 of Article 28 of the
Convention, a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention shall not be permitted.

It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become party should be respected, as to
object and purpose, by all parties. The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands therefore objects to the aforesaid reservations made by the
Government of Saudi Arabia to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Saudi
Arabia."

With regard to the reservations made by the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea upon accession:

"The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands has examined the reservations made by the Government of the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea regarding article 2, paragraph (f), and
article 9, paragraph 2, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women made at the time of its accession to the said Convention.

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands considers that the reservations made by the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea regarding article 2, paragraph (f), and article 9, paragraph
2, of the Convention are reservations incompatible with the object and purpose
of the Convention. The Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands recalls
that, according to paragraph 2 of Article 28 of the Convention, a reservation
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall not be
permitted.

It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become party are respected, as to their
object and purpose, by all parties and that States are prepared to take all
appropriate measures, including legislation to comply with their obligations.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands therefore
objects to the afore-said reservations made by the Government of the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

8 February 2002

With regard to the reservation made by
Mauritania upon accession:

"The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands has examined the reservation made by the Government of Mauritania
at the time of its accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women and considers that the reservation concerning
the Islamic Sharia and the national law of Mauritania, which seeks to limit the
responsibilities of the reserving State under the Convention by invoking the
Sharia and national law, may raise doubts as to the commitment of this State to
the object and purpose of the Convention and, moreover, contribute to
undermining the basis of international treaty law. The Government of the
Kingdom of the Netherlands recalls that, according to paragraph 2 of Article 28
of the Convention, a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of
the Convention shall not be permitted.

It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become party are respected, as to their
object and purpose, by all parties and that States are prepared to undertake
any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the
treaties. The Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands therefore objects to
the aforesaid reservation made by the Government of Mauritania to the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and
Mauritania."

22 November 2002

With regard to the reservations made by
Bahrain upon accession:

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands has examined the reservations made by the Government of Bahrain at
the time of its accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women.

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands considers that the reservations with respect to article 9,
paragraph 2, and article 15, paragraph 4, of the Convention are reservations
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.

Furthermore, the Government of the Kingdom
of the Netherlands considers that the reservations with respect to articles 2
and 16 of the Convention, concerning the Islamic Shariah of Bahrain,
reservations which seek to limit the responsibilities of the reserving State
under the Convention by invoking the Islamic Shariah, may raise doubts as to
the commitment of this State to the object and purpose of the Convention and,
moreover, contribute to undermining the basis of international treaty
law.

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands recalls that, according to paragraph 2 of Article 28 of the
Convention, a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention shall not be permitted.

It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become party are respected, as to their
object and purpose, by all parties and that States are prepared to undertake
any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the
treaties.

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands therefore objects to the aforesaid reservations made by the
Government of Bahrain to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and
Bahrain.

27 May 2003

With regard to the reservations made by the
Syrian Arab Republic upon accession:

"The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands has examined the reservations made by the Government of the Syrian
Arab Republic at the time of its accession to the Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands considers that the reservations with respect to article 2, article
9, paragraph 2, article 15, paragraph 4, and article 16, paragraph 1 (c), (d),
(f) and (g), of the Convention are reservations incompatible with the object
and purpose of the Convention.

Furthermore, the Government of the Kingdom
of the Netherlands considers that the reservation with respect to article 16,
paragraph 2, of the Convention, concerning the Islamic Shariah of the Syrian
Arab Republic, a reservation which seeks to limit the responsibilities of the
reserving State under the Convention by invoking the Islamic Shariah, may raise
doubts as to the commitment of this State to the object and purpose of the
Convention and, moreover, contribute to undermining the basis of international
treaty law. The Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands recalls that,
according to paragraph 2 of article 28 of the Convention, a reservation
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall not be
permitted.

It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become party are respected, as to their
object and purpose, by all Parties and that States are prepared to undertake
any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the
treaties.

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands therefore objects to the aforesaid reservations made by the
Government of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the
Syrian Arab Republic."

31 May 2005

With regard to the reservations made by the
United Arab Emirates upon accession:

"The Government of the Netherlands has
examined the reservation made by the United Arab Emirates to the Convention on
the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

The application of the Articles 2 (f), 15
(2) and 16 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women has been made subject to religious considerations. This makes it
unclear to what extent the United Arab Emirates considers itself bound by the
obligations of the treaty and therefore raises concerns as to the commitment of
the United Arab Emirates to the object and purpose of the Covenant.

It is of the common interest of States that
all parties respect treaties to which they have chosen to become parties and
that States are prepared to undertake any legislative changes necessary to
comply with their obligations under the treaties. According to customary
international law, as codified in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties,
a reservation which is incompatible with the object and purpose of a treaty
shall not be permitted (Art. 19 c).

The Government of the Netherlands therefore
objects to the reservation made by the United Arab Emirates to the Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Covenant between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of
the Netherlands, without the United Arab Emirates benefiting from its
reservation."

Norway

16 July 1990

"The Government of Norway has examined
the contents of the reservation made by the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, by which
the accession `is subject to the general reservation that such accession cannot
conflict with the laws on personal status derived from the Islamic Shariah'.
The Norwegian Government has come to the conclusion that this reservation is
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention (article 28,
paragraph 2). The Government of Norway objects to the reservation.

"The Norwegian Government will stress
that by acceding to the Convention, a state commits itself to adopt the
measures required for the elimination of discrimination, in all its forms and
manifestations, against women. A reservation by which a State Party limits its
responsibilities under the Convention by invoking religious law (Shariah),
which is subject to interpretation, modification, and selective application in
different states adhering to Islamic principles, may create doubts about the
commitments of the reserving state to the object and purpose of the Convention.
It may also undermine the basis of international treaty law. All states have
common interest in securing that all parties respect treaties to which they
have chosen to become parties."

25 October 1994

With regard to the reservations made by
Maldives upon accession:

"In the view of the Government of
Norway, a reservation by which a State party limits its responsibilities under
the Convention by invoking general principles of internal law may create doubts
about the commitments of the reserving State to the object and purpose of the
Convention and, moreover, contribute to undermine the basis of international
treaty law. It is in the common interest of States that treaties to which they
have chosen to become parties also are respected, as to their object and
purpose, by all parties. Furthermore, under well established international
treaty law, a State is not permitted to invoke internal law as justification
for its failure to perform its treaty obligations. For these reasons, the
Government of Norway objects to Maldives reservations.

The Government of Norway does not consider
this objection to constitute an obstacle to the entry into force of the
above-stated Convention between the Kingdom of Norway and the Republic of
Maldives."

2 May 1995

With regard to the reservations made by
Kuwait upon accession:

[Same objection, mutatis mutandis, as the one made
for Maldives.]

16 October 1996

With regard to the reservations made by
Malaysia upon accession:

"In the view of the Government of
Norway, a statement by which a State Party purports to limit its
responsibilities under the Convention by invoking general principles of
internal or religious law may create doubts about the commitment of the
reserving State to the object and purpose of the Convention and, moreover,
contribute to undermining the basis of international treaty law. Under
well-established international treaty law, a State is not permitted to invoke
internal law as justification for its failure to perform its treaty
obligations. Furthermore, the Government of Norway considers that reservation
made by the Government of Malaysia with respect to certain specific provisions
of the Convention is so extensive as to be contrary to the object and purpose
of the Convention, and thus not permitted under article 28, paragraph 2, of the
Convention. For theses reasons, the Government of Norway objects to the
reservations made by the Government of Malaysia.

The Government of Norway does not consider
this objection to preclude the entry into force of the Convention between the
Kingdom of Norway and Malaysia."

30 October 1996

With regard to the reservations made by
Lesotho upon ratification:

[Same objection, mutatis mutandis, as the one made
for Maldives.]

21 November 1996

With regard to the reservations made by
Singapore upon accession:

[Same objection, mutatis mutandis, as the one made
for Maldives.]

6 June 1997

With regard to the declarations made by
Pakistan upon accession:

[Same objection, mutatis mutandis, as the one made
for Maldives.]

3 July 1997

With regard to the reservations made by
Algeria upon accession:

[Same objection, mutatis mutandis, as the one made
for Malaysia.]

1 November 2000

With regard to the reservations made by
Niger upon accession:

"The reservation concerns fundamental
provisions of the Convention. Article 2 is the core provision as it outlines
the measures which the State Party is required to take in order to implement
the Convention. The Convention can only be successfully implemented when all
measures prescribed by Article 2 are taken. Most importantly, it is unclear how
the Convention's substantive provisions will be implemented without adopting
measures to modify or abolish existing discriminatory laws, regulations,
customs and practices.

The Government of Norway considers the other
elements of the reservation, with exception of the reservation made to
article 29, as incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.
The relevant provisions cover fundamental rights of women or they outline key
elements in order to abolish discrimination against women. Women will not have
the opportunity to live on equal footing with men if these provisions are not
implemented.

Further, it is the Norwegian Government's
position that Article 5, paragraph (b) covers both public and private family
education.

The Government of Norway therefore objects
to the reservations made by the Government of Niger to the following
provisions:

Article 2, paragraphs (d) and (f)

Article 5, paragraph (a)

Article 15, paragraph 4

Article 16, paragraph 1 (c), (e) and (g)

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force in its entirety of the Convention between the Kingdom of Norway and
Niger. The Convention thus becomes operative between Norway and Niger without
Niger benefiting from these reservations."

9 October 2001

With regard to the reservation made by Saudi
Arabia upon ratification:

"The Government of Norway has examined
the contents of the reservation made by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia upon ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of
Discrimination Against Women.

According to paragraph 1 of the reservation,
the norms of Islamic Law shall prevail in the event of conflict with the
provisions of the Convention. It is the position of the Government of Norway
that, due to its unlimited scope and undefined character, this part of the
reservation is contrary to object and purpose of the Convention.

Further, the reservation to Article 9,
paragraph 2, concerns one of the core provisions of the Convention, and which
aims at eliminating discrimination against women. The reservation is thus
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.

For these reasons, the Government of Norway
objects to paragraph 1 and the first part of paragraph 2 of the reservation
made by Saudi Arabia, as they are impermissible according to Article28,
paragraph 2 of the Convention.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force in its entirety of the Convention between the Kingdom of Norway and
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Convention thus becomes operative between
Norway and Saudi Arabia without Saudi Arabia benefiting from the said parts of
the reservation."

20 February 2002

With regard to the reservations made by the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea upon accession:

"The Government of Norway has examined
the contents of the reservation made by the Government of the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea upon accession to the Convention on the Elimination
of all forms of Discrimination against Women.

Article 2 is the Convention's core provision
outlining the measures that the State Party is required to take in order to
ensure the effective implementation of the Convention. Without adopting
measures to modify or abolish existing discriminatory laws, regulations,
customs and practices as prescribed by paragraph (f) of Article 2, none of the
Convention's substantive provisions can be successfully implemented. The
reservation to paragraph (f) of Article 2 is thus incompatible with the object
and purpose of the Convention.

Further, as Article 9, paragraph 2 aims at
eliminating discrimination against women, the reservation to this provision is
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of Norway therefore objects
to the parts of the reservation that concern paragraph (f) of Article 2 and
paragraph 2 of Article 9, as they are impermissible according to Article 28,
paragraph 2 of the Convention.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force in its entirety of the Convention between the Kingdom of Norway and
the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The Convention thus becomes
operative between the Kingdom of Norway and the Democratic People's Republic of
Korea without the Democratic People's Republic of Korea benefiting from the
said parts of the reservation."

31 May 2002

With regard to the reservation made by
Mauritania upon accession:

"The Government of Norway has examined
the contents of the reservation made by the Government of Mauritania upon
accession to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination
against Women.

The reservation consists of a general
reference to national law and does not clearly define to what extent Mauritania
has accepted the obligations under the Convention. The Government of Norway
therefore objects to the reservation, as it is contrary to the object and
purpose of the Convention and thus impermissible according to Article 28 of the
Convention.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force in its entirety of the Convention between the Kingdom of Norway and
Mauritania. The Convention thus becomes operative between Norway and Mauritania
without Mauritania benefiting from the reservation."

5 April 2004

With regard to the reservations made by
Syrian Arab Republic upon accession:

"The Government of Norway has examined
the reservations made by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic upon accession
to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women regarding Article 2, Article 9, paragraph 2, Article 15, paragraph 4,
Article 16, paragraph 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g) and Article 16,
paragraph 2.

The said reservations, as they relate to
core provisions of the Convention, render the provisions of the Convention
ineffective. Moreover, and due to the reference to Islamic Sharia, it is not
clearly defined for other States Parties to what extent the reserving State has
undertaken the obligations of the Convention. The Government of Norway
therefore objects to the aforesaid reservations made by the Government of the
Syrian Arab Republic.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force in its entirety of the Convention between the Kingdom of Norway and
the Syrian Arab Republic. The Convention thus becomes operative between the
Kingdom of Norway and the Syrian Arab Republic without the Syrian Arab Republic
benefiting from the aforesaid reservations."

1 December 2005

With regard to the reservations made by the
United Arab Emirates upon accession:

"The Government of the Kingdom of
Norway has examined the reservations made by the Government of the United Arab
Emirates on 6 October 2004 on accession to the Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination against Women (New York, 18 December 1979) in
respect of articles 2 (f); 9; 15 (c) and 16.

The Government of the Kingdom of Norway is
of the view that the reservation in respect of article 2 (f), which is a core
provision of the above Convention, taken together with the reservations in
respect of articles 9, 15 (c) and 16, raise doubts as to the full commitment of
the United Arab Emirates to the object and purpose of the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and would like to
recall that, according to article 28 (2) of the Convention, a reservation
incompatible with the object and purpose of the present Convention shall not be
permitted.

The Government of the Kingdom of Norway
therefore objects to the aforesaid reservations made by the Government of the
United Arab Emirates to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women. This objection does not preclude the entry into
force, in its entirety, of the Convention between the Kingdom of Norway and the
United Arab Emirates, without the United Arab Emirates benefiting from these
reservations."

Poland

28 November 2005

With regard to the reservations made by the
United Arab Emirates upon accession:

"The Government of the Republic of
Poland has examined the reservations made by the United Arab Emirates upon
accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on
December 18, 1979, hereinafter called the Convention, regarding articles 2 (f),
9, 15 (2) and 16.

The Government of the Republic of Poland
considers that the reservations made by the United Arab Emirates are
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention which guarantees
equal rights of women and men to exercise their economic, social, cultural,
civil and political rights. The Government of the Republic of Poland therefore
considers that, according to the customary international law as codified in the
Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (article 19 (c)), done at Vienna on 23
May 1969, as well as article 28 (2) of the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination against Women, reservations incompatible with the object
and purpose of a treaty shall not be permitted.

The Government of the Republic of Poland
therefore objects to the aforementioned reservations made by the United Arab
Emirates upon accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women, adopted by the General Assembly of the United
Nations on 18 December 1979, regarding articles 2 (f), 9, 15 (2) and
16.

This objection does not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Republic of Poland and the United Arab
Emirates."

Portugal

26 October 1994

With regard to the reservations made by
Maldives upon accession:

"The Government of Portugal considers
that the reservations formulated by the Maldives are incompatible with the
object and purpose of the Convention and they are inadmissible under article19
(c) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.

Furthermore, the Government of Portugal
considers that these reservations cannot alter or modify in any respect the
obligations arising from the Convention for any State party
thereto."

18 July 2001

With regard to the reservations made by
Saudi Arabia upon ratification :

"The Government of the Portuguese
Republic has examined the reservation made on 7 September by the Government of
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women (New York, 18 December 1979), regarding
any interpretation of the provisions of the Convention that is incompatible
with the precept of Islamic law and the Islamic religion. It has also examined
the reservation to article 9.2 of the Convention.

The Government of the Portuguese Republic is
of the view that the first reservation refers in general terms to the Islamic
law, failing to specify clearly its content and, therefore, leaving the other
State parties with doubts as to the real extent of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia's commitment to the Convention.

Furthermore, it also considers the
reservation made by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia incompatible
with the objective and purpose of the aforesaid Convention, for it refers to
the whole of the Convention, and it seriously limits or even excludes its
application on a vaguely defined basis, such as the global reference to the
Islamic law.

Regarding the reservation to article 9.2,
the Government of the Portuguese Republic is of the view that the said
reservation intends to exclude one of the obligations of non-discrimination,
which is the essence of the Convention.

Therefore, the Government of the Portuguese
Republic objects to the aforementioned reservations made by the Government of
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Portuguese Republic and the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia."

4 March 2002

With regard to the reservations made by the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea upon accession :

"The Government of the Portuguese
Republic has examined the reservation made by the Government of the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women (New York, 18 December 1979) on 27 February 2001
in respect of articles 2 (f) and 9.2 of the Convention.

Recalling that, according tp paragraph 2 of
Article 28 of the Convention a reservation incompatible with the object and
purpose of the Convention shall not be permitted, the Government of the
Portuguese Republic objects to the said reservations.

In fact, the reservation relating to article
2 (f) refers to a basic aspect of the Convention, namely the compromise to
enact legislation to abolish all existing legal practices discriminating
against women.

Regarding the reservation to article 9.2,
the Government of the Portuguese Republic is of the view that the said
reservation intends to exclude one of the specific obligations of
non-discrimination, which is the essence of the Convention.

It is in the common interests of States that
Treaties to which they have chosen to become party are respected by all parties
and that the States are prepared to take all appropriate measures, including
legislation to comply with their obligations.

Therefore, the Government of the Portuguese
Republic objects to the afore mentioned reservations made by the Government of
the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Portuguese Republic and the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea."

With regard to the reservation made by
Mauritania upon accession:

"The Government of the Portuguese
Republic has examined the reservation made by the Government of the Islamic
Republic of Mauritania to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women (New York, 18 December 1979) on 10 May 2001 in
respect of any interpretation of the provisions of the Convention that it is
incompatible with the precept of Islamic law and its Constitution.

The Government of the Portuguese Republic is
of the view that the said reservation refers in a general manner to national
law, failing to specify clearly its content and, therefore, leaving the other
State parties with doubts as to the real extent of the Islamic Republic of
Mauritania's commitment to the Convention.

Furthermore it also considers the
reservation made by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania
incompatible with the objective and purpose of the aforesaid Convention, and it
seriously limits or even excludes its application on a vaguely defined basis,
such as the global reference to the Islamic law.

The Government of the Portuguese Republic
therefore objects to the reservation made by the Government of the Islamic Republic
of Mauritania to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Portuguese Republic and the Islamic
Republic of Mauritania."

28 November 2005

With regard to the reservations made by the
United Arab Emirates upon accession:

"The Portuguese Government has
carefully examined the reservations made by the United Arab Emirates upon its
accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women (CEDAW).

Most of these reservations concern
fundamental provisions of the Convention, such as articles 2 (f), 9, 15 (2) and
16, since they outline the measures which a State Party is required to take in
order to implement the Convention, cover the fundamental rights of women and
deal with the key elements for the elimination of discrimination against
women.

Portugal considers that such reservations,
consisting of references to the precepts of the Shariah and to national
legislation, create serious doubts as to the commitment of the reserving State
to the object and purpose of the Convention and to the extent it has accepted
the obligations imposed by it and, moreover, contribute to undermining the
basis of international law.

It is in the common interest of all States
that treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected as to
their object and purpose by all parties and that States are prepared to
undertake any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations
under these treaties.

The Government of the Portuguese Republic,
therefore, objects to the above reservations made by the United Arab Emirates
to the CEDAW.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between Portugal and the United Arab
Emirates."

Romania

3 December 2003

With regard to the reservations made by the
Syrian Arab Republic upon accession :

"The Government of Romania has examined
the reservations made by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic at the time
of its accession to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination against Women, regarding article 2, article 9, paragraph 2,
article 15, paragraph 4, article 16 paragraph 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g), and
article 16 paragraph 2.

The Government of Romania considers that the
reservations to article 2, article 9, paragraph 2, article 15, paragraph 4,
article 16 paragraph 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g), article 16 paragraph 2, of the
Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women are
incompatible with the object and purpose of the above-mentioned Convention,
taking into account the provisions of article 19 (c) of the Vienna Convention
on the Law of Treaties (1969).

As a consequence, the Government of Romania
objects to the above-mentioned reservations made by the Syrian Arab Republic to
the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against
Women.

This objection, however, shall not preclude
the entry into force of the Convention between the Government of Romania and
the Syrian Arab Republic."

Spain

22 February 2001

With regard to the reservations made by
Saudi Arabia upon ratification :

The Government of the Kingdom of Spain has
examined the reservation made by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women on [7] September 2000, regarding any interpretation of the Convention
that may be incompatible with the norms of Islamic law and regarding article 9,
paragraph 2.

The Government of the Kingdom of Spain
considers that the general reference to Islamic law, without specifying its
content, creates doubts among the other States parties about the extent to
which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commits itself to fulfil its obligations
under the Convention.

The Government of the Kingdom of Spain is of
the view that such a reservation by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia is incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention, since it
refers to the Convention as a whole and seriously restricts or even excludes
its application on a basis as ill-defined as the general reference to Islamic
law.

Furthermore, the reservation to article 9,
paragraph 2, aims at excluding one of the obligations concerning
non-discrimination, which is the ultimate goal of the Convention.

The Government of the Kingdom of Spain
recalls that according to article 28, paragraph 2, of the Convention,
reservations that are incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention shall not be permitted.

Therefore, the Government of the Kingdom of
Spain objects to the said reservations by the Government of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Kingdom of Spain and the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia.

5 July 2001

With regard to the reservations made by the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea upon accession :

The Government of the Kingdom of Spain has
examined the reservations made by the Government of the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea to articles 2 (f) and 9 (2) of the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, on 27 February 2001
in acceding to the Convention.

The Government of the Kingdom of Spain
considers those reservations to be incompatible with the object and purpose of
the Convention, since their intent is to exempt the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea from committing itself to two essential elements of the
Convention, one being the general requirement to take measures, including
legislation, to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women (article 2
(f)) and the other being the requirement to address a specific form of
discrimination with respect to the nationality of children
(article 9 (2)).

The Government of the Kingdom of Spain
recalls that, under article 28 (2) of the Convention, reservations incompatible
with the object and purpose of the Convention are not permitted.

Accordingly, the Government of the Kingdom
of Spain objects to the above-mentioned reservations made by the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women.

This objection does not prevent the
Convention's entry into force between the Kingdom of Spain and the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea.

31 July 2003

With regard to the reservations made by the
Syrian Arab Republic upon accession :

The Government of the Kingdom of Spain has
examined the reservations made by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic to
article 2; article 9, paragraph 2; article 15, paragraph 4; and article 16,
paragraph 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g) and paragraph 2 of the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, upon acceding to the
Convention.

The Government of the Kingdom of Spain deems
the above-mentioned reservations to be contrary to the object and purpose of
the Convention, since they affect fundamental obligations of States parties
thereunder. Moreover, the reservation to article 16, paragraph 2, of the
Convention refers to the Islamic Shariah, without specifying its content, which
raises doubts as to the degree of commitment of the Syrian Arab Republic in acceding
to the Convention.

The Government of the Kingdom of Spain
recalls that, under article 28, paragraph 2, of the Convention, reservations
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention are not
permitted.

Accordingly, the Government of the Kingdom
of Spain objects to the reservations made by the Government of the Syrian Arab
Republic to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women.

This objection does not prevent the entry
into force of the Convention between the Kingdom of Spain and the Syrian Arab
Republic.

6 October 2005

With regard to the reservations made by the
United Arab Emirates upon accession:

The Government of the Kingdom of Spain has
examined the reservations entered by the Government of the United Arab Emirates
to article 2, subparagraph (f); article 9; article 15, paragraph 2; and article
16 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women upon its accession to that instrument on 6 October 2004.

The Government of the Kingdom of Spain
considers that these reservations are incompatible with the object and purpose
of the Convention, since they are intended to exempt the United Arab Emirates
from obligations relating to essential aspects of the Convention: one of a general
nature, namely the adoption of measures, including legislation, to eliminate
all forms of discrimination against women (article 2, subparagraph (f)), and
others concerning specific forms of discrimination in relation to nationality
(article 9), legal capacity in civil matters (article 15, paragraph 2) and
marriage and family relations (article 16).

The Government of the Kingdom of Spain
recalls that, under article 28, paragraph 2, of the Convention, reservations
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention are not
permitted.

Moreover, the reservation to article 16 of
the Convention makes a general reference to the principles of Islamic law
without specifying their content, with the result that the other States parties
cannot precisely determine the extent to which the Government of the United
Arab Emirates accepts the obligations set out in article 16 of the
Convention.

Accordingly, the Government of the Kingdom
of Spain objects to the reservations entered by the Government of the United
Arab Emirates to article 2, subparagraph (f); article 9; article 15, paragraph
2; and article 16 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Kingdom of Spain and the United Arab
Emirates.

Sweden

17 March 1986

"The Government of Sweden considers
that [the following reservations] are incompatible with the object and purpose
of the Convention (article 28, paragraph 2) and therefore objects to
them:

"Indeed the reservations in question,
if put into practice, would inevitably result in discrimination against women
on the basis of sex, which is contrary to everything the Convention stands for.
It should also be borne in mind that the principles of the equal rights of men
and women and of non-discrimination on the basis of sex are set forth in the
Charter of the United Nations as one of its purposes, in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and in various multilateral instruments, to
which Thailand, Tunisia and Bangladesh are parties.

"The Government of Sweden furthermore
notes that, as a matter of principle, the same objection could be made to the
reservations made by:

"In this context the Government of
Sweden wishes to take this opportunity to make the observation that the reason
why reservations incompatible with the object and purpose of a treaty are not
acceptable is precisely that otherwise they would render a basic international
obligation of a contractual nature meaningless. Incompatible reservations, made
in respect of the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination
against women, do not only cast doubts on the commitments of the reserving
states to the objects and purpose of this Convention, but moreover, contribute
to undermine the basis of international contractual law. It is in the common
interest of states that treaties to which they have chosen to become parties
also are respected, as to object and purpose, by other parties."

Subsequently, the Secretary-General
received, from the Government of Sweden, objections of the same nature as the
one above with regard to reservations made by the following States on the dates
indicated hereinafter:

- 12 March 1987 with regard to the
reservation made by Iraq in respect of article 2, paragraph (f) and (g),
article 9, paragraph 1, and article 16;

- 15 April 1988 with regard to the first
reservations made by Malawi;

- 25 May 1990 with regard to the reservation
made by the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya;

- 5 February 1993 with regard to the
reservations made by Jordan in respect of article 9, paragraph 2, article 15,
paragraph 4, the wording of article 16 (c), and article 16 (d) and
(g);

- 26 October 1994 with regard to the
reservations made by Maldives upon accession. The Government of Sweden also
stated that: "The Government of Sweden therefore objects to these
reservations and considers that they constitute an obstacle to the entry into
force of the Convention between Sweden and the Republic of
Maldives.";

- 17 January 1996 with regard to the
reservations made by Kuwait upon accession;

- 27 January 1998 with regard to the
reservations made by Lebanon upon accession.

- 27 April 2000 with regard to the
reservations to articles 2 , 5, 15 and 16 made by Niger upon
accession.

30 March 2001

With regard to the reservations made by
Saudi Arabia upon ratification:

"The Government of Sweden has examined
the reservation made by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the
time of its ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women, as to any interpretation of the provisions of the
Convention that is incompatible with the norms of Islamic law.

The Government of Sweden is of the view that
this general reservation, which does not clearly specify the provisions of the
convention to which it applies and the extent of the derogation therefrom,
raises doubts as to the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the object
and purpose of the Convention.

It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have been chosen to become parties are respected as to
their object and purpose, and that States are prepared to undertake any
legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the
treaties. According to customary law as codified in the Vienna Convention on
the Law of Treaties, a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of
the Convention shall not be permitted. The Government of Sweden therefore
objects to the aforesaid general reservation made by the Government of the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women.

This shall not preclude the entry into force
of the Convention between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of
Sweden, without the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia benefiting from the said
reservation".

25 July 2001

With regard to the reservations made by the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea upon accession:

"The Government of Sweden has examined
the reservation made by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the time
of its accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women, regarding articles 2 (f) and 9 (2) of the
Convention.

The reservation in question, if put into
practice, would inevitably result in discrimination against women on the basis
of sex, which is contrary to the object and purpose of the Convention. It
should be borne in mind that the principles of the equal rights of men and
women and of non-discrimination on the basis of sex are set forth in te Charter
of the United Nations as one of the purposes of the organisation, as well as in
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.

According to Article 28 (2) of the
Convention, reservations incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention shall not be permitted. It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected as to their
object and purpose, by all parties, and that States are prepared to undertake
any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the
treaties. According to customary international law as codified in the Vienna
Convention on the Law of Treaties, a reservation incompatible with the object
and purpose of the Convention shall not be permitted.

The Government of Sweden therefore objects
to the aforesaid reservation made by the Government of the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women and considers the reservation null and void. The
Convention enters into force in its entirety between the two States, without
the Democratic People's Republic of Korea benefiting from its
reservation".

21 January 2002

With regard to the reservation made by
Mauritania upon accession:

"The Government of Sweden has examined the
reservation made by Mauritania upon acceding to the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

The Government of Sweden notes that the
Convention is being made subject to a general reservation of unlimited scope
referring to the contents of Islamic Sharia and to existing legislation in
Mauritania.

The Government of Sweden is of the view that
this reservation which does not clearly specify the provisions of the
Convention to which it applies, and the extent of the derogation therefrom,
raises serious doubts as to the commitment of Mauritania to the object and
purpose of the Convention. The Government of Sweden would like to recall that,
according to customary international law as codified in the Vienna Convention
on the Law of Treaties, a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose
of a treaty shall not be permitted.

It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected as to their
object and purpose, by all parties, and that States are prepared to undertake
any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the
treaties.

The Government of Sweden therefore objects
to the aforesaid reservation made by the Government of Mauritania to the Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

The objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between Mauritania and Sweden. The Convention
enters into force in its entirety between the two States, without Mauritania
benefiting from its reservation."

27 November 2002

With regard to the reservation made by
Bahrain upon accession:

"The Government of Sweden has examined
the reservation made by Bahrain upon acceding to the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, regarding articles 2,
9(2), 15(4) and 16.

The reservation to articles 9(2) and 15(4),
if put into practice, would inevitably result in discrimination against women
on the basis of sex, which is contrary to the object and purpose of the
Convention. It should be borne in mind that the principles of the equal rights
of men and women and of non-discrimination on the basis of sex are set forth in
the Charter of the United Nations as one of the purposes of the organisation, as
well as in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.

The reservation to articles 2 and 16 make
general references to Islamic sharia. The Government of Sweden is of the view
that, in absence of further clarification, this reservation which does not
clearly specify the extent of Bahrain's derogation from the provisions in
question raises serious doubts as to the commitment of Bahrain to the object
and purpose of the Convention.

According to article 28(2) of the
Convention, reservations incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention shall not be permitted. It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected as to their
object and purpose, by all parties, and that States are prepared to undertake
any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the
treaties.

The Government of Sweden objects to the
aforesaid reservations made by the Government of Bahrain to the Convention on
the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and considers the
reservation null and void.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between Bahrain and Sweden. The Convention enters
into force in its entirety between the two States, without Bahrain benefiting
from its reservation."

11 July 2003

With regard to the reservations made by the
Syrian Arab Republic upon accession:

"The Government of Sweden has examined
the reservations made by the Syrian Arab Republic upon acceding to the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
regarding article 2, article 9, paragraph 2, article 15, paragraph 4 and
article 16, paragraphs 1 (c), (d), (f) (g) and 2 of the Convention.

Article 2 of the Convention is one of the
core articles of the Convention. A general reservation to this article
seriously raises doubts as to the commitment of the Syrian Arab Republic to the
object and purpose of the Convention.

The reservations to articles 9, paragraph 2,
article 15, paragraph 4 and article 16, paragraphs 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g), if
put into practice, would inevitably result in discrimination against women on
the basis of sex, which is contrary to the object and purpose of the
Convention. It should be borne in mind that the principles of the equal rights
of men and women and of non-discrimination on the basis of sex are set forth in
the Charter of the United Nations as one of the purposes of the organisation,
as well as in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.

The reservation to article 16, paragraph 2,
makes a general reference to islamic sharia. The Government of Sweden is of the
view that in the absence of further clarification, this reservation which does
not clearly specify the extent of the Syrian Arab Republic's derogation from
the provision in question raises serious doubts as to the commitment of the
Syrian Arab Republic to the object and purpose of the Convention.

According to article 28, paragraph 2, of the
Convention, reservations incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention shall not be permitted. It is in the common interest of all States
that treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected as to
their object and purpose, by all parties, and that States are prepared to
undertake any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations
under the treaties.

The Government of Sweden therefore objects
to the aforesaid reservations made by the Syrian Arab Republic to the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the Syrian Arab Republic and Sweden. The
Convention enters into force in its entirety between the two States, without
the Syrian Arab Republic benefiting from its reservations."

25 August 2005

With regard to the reservations made by
Micronesia (Federated States of) upon accession:

"The Government of Sweden is of the
view that this reservation raises serious doubts as to the commitment of the
Government of Micronesia to the object and purpose of the Convention. The
reservation would, if put into practice, result in discrimination against women
on the basis of sex. It should be borne in mind that the principles of the
equal right of men and women and of non-discrimination on the basis of sex are
set forth in the Charter of the United Nations as one of the purposes of the
organisation, as well as in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of
1948.

According to article 28 (2) of the
Convention, and to customary law as codified in the Vienna Convention on the
Law of Treaties, reservations incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention shall not be permitted. It is in the common interest of States that
treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected as to their
object and purpose, by all parties, and that States are prepared to undertake
any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the
treaties.

The Government of Sweden therefore objects
to the aforesaid reservation made by the Government of the Federated States of
Micronesia to the Convention to the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women and considers the reservation null and void. The Convention
enters into force in its entirety between the two States, without the Federated
States of Micronesia benefiting from its reservations."

5 October 2005

With regard to the reservations made by the
United Arab Emirates upon accession:

"The Government of Sweden has examined
the reservations made by United Arab Emirates upon acceding to the Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, regarding
Article 2 (f), 9, 15 (2) and 16.

The Government of Sweden notes that the said
articles are being made subject to reservations referring to national
legislation and Sharia principles.

The Government of Sweden is of the view that
these reservations which do not clearly specify the extent of the United Arab
Emirates' derogation from the provisions in question raises serious doubts as
to the commitment of the United Arab Emirates to the object and purpose of the
Convention. The reservations in question, if put into practice, would
inevitably result in discrimination against women on the basis of sex, which is
contrary to the object and purpose of the Convention. It should be borne in
mind that the principles of the equal rights of women and men and of
non-discrimination on the basis of sex are set forth in the Charter of the
United Nations as one of the purposes of the organization, as well as in the
declaration of Human Rights of 1948.

According to article 28 (2) of the
Convention, and to international customary law as codified in the Vienna
convention on the Law of the Treaties, reservations incompatible with the
object and purpose of the Convention shall not be permitted. It is in the
common interest of States that treaties to which they have chosen to become
parties are respected as to their object and purpose, by all parties, and that
States are prepared to undertake any legislative changes necessary to comply
with their obligations under the treaties.

The Government of Sweden therefore objects
to the aforesaid reservations made by the Government of the United Arab
Emirates to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women and considers them null and void.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the United Arab Emirates and Sweden. The
convention enters into force in its entirety between the two States, without
the United Arab Emirates benefiting from its reservations."

United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland

6 September 2001

With regard to the reservation made by Saudi
Arabia upon ratification:

"The Permanent Mission of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the United Nations presents
its compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and has the
honour to refer to the reservation made on 7 September 2000 by the Government
of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women, done at New York on 18 December 1979,
which reads as follows:

"In case of contradiction between any
term of the Convention and the norms of Islamic Law, the Kingdom is not under
obligation to observe the contradictory terms of the Convention."

The Government of the United Kingdom note
that a reservation which consists of a general reference to national law
without specifying its contents does not clearly define for other States
Parties to the Convention the extent to which the reserving State has accepted
the obligations of the Convention. The Government of the United Kingdom
therefore object to the aforesaid reservation made by the Government [of] the
Kingdom of the Saudi Arabia.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

28 November 2001

With regard to the reservation made by
Mauritania upon accession:

"The Government of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have examined the reservation made by the
Government of Mauritania in respect of the Convention, which reads as
follows:

'Having seen and examined the United Nations
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women,
adopted by the UN General Assembly on 18 December 1979, have approved and do
approve it in each and every one of its parts which are not contrary to Islamic
Sharia and are in accordance with our Constitution'.

The Government of the United Kingdom note
that a reservation to a Convention which consists of a general reference to
national law without specifying its contents does not clearly define for the
other States Parties to the Convention the extent to which the reserving State
has accepted the obligations of the Convention. The Government of the United
Kingdom therefore object to the reservation made by the Government of
Mauritania.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland and Mauritania."

5 March 2002

With regard to the reservations made by the
Democratic People's Republique of Korea upon accession:

"The Government of the United Kingdom
has examined the reservation made by the Government of the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea on 27 February in respect of the Convention, which reads as
follows:

'The Government of the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea does not consider itself bound by the provisions of paragraph
(f) of Article 2...of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women.'

Paragraph (f) of Article 2 requires States
Parties to take all appropriate measures, including legislation, to modify or
abolish existing laws, regulations, customs and practices which constitute
discrimination against women. The Government of the United Kingdom notes that a
reservation which excludes obligations of such a general nature does not
clearly define for the other States Parties to the Convention the extent to
which the reserving State has accepted the obligations of the Convention. The
Government of the United Kingdom therefore objects to the reservation made by
the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

26 June 2003

With regard to the reservations made by the
Syrian Arab Republic upon accession:

"The Government of the United Kingdom
have examined the reservations made by the Government of the Syrian Arab
Republic to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women (New York, 18 December 1979) on 28 March 2003 in respect of
Article 2; and Article 16, paragraphs 1 (c), (d), (f) and (g), concerning equal
rights and responsibilities during marriage and at its dissolution with regard
to guardianship, the right to choose a family name, maintenance and adoption;
and article 16, paragraph 2, concerning the legal effect of the betrothal and
the marriage of a child, inasmuch as this provision is incompatible with the
provisions of the Islamic Shariah.

The Government of the United Kingdom note
that the Syrian reservation specifies particular provisions of the Convention
Articles to which the reservation is addressed. Nevertheless this reservation
does not clearly define for the other States Parties to the Convention the
extent to which the reserving State has accepted the obligations of the
Convention. The Government of the United Kingdom therefore object to the
aforesaid reservations made by the Government of the Syrian Arab
Republic.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland and the Syrian Arab Republic."

With regard to the reservations made by
Bahrain upon accession:

"The Government of the United Kingdom
have examined the reservations made by the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain
to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women (New York, 18 December 1979) on 18 June 2002 in respect of Article 2, in
order to ensure its implementation within the bounds of the provisions of the
Islamic Shariah; and Article 16, in so far as it is incompatible with the
provisions of the Islamic Shariah.

The Government of the United Kingdom note
that a reservation which consists of a general reference to national law
without specifying its contents does not clearly define for the other States
Parties to the Convention the extent to which the reserving State has accepted
the obligations of the Convention. The Government of the United Kingdom
therefore object to the aforesaid reservations made by the Government of the
Kingdom of Bahrain.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland and the Kingdom of Bahrain."

17 August 2005

With regard to the reservations made by the
United Arab Emriates upon accession:

"The Government of the United Kingdom
have examined the reservations made by the Government of the United Arab
Emirates to [the] Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination
against Women (New York, 18 December 1979) on 6 October 2004 in respect of
Articles 2 (f), 15 (2), and 16 on the applicability of Sharia law.

The Government of the United Kingdom note
that a reservation which consists of a general reference to a system of law
without specifying its contents does not clearly define for the other States
Parties to the Convention the extent to which the reserving State has accepted
the obligations of the Convention. The Government of the United Kingdom
therefore object to the aforesaid reservations made by the Government of the
United Arab Emirates.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates."

With regard to the reservations made by the
Micronesia (Federated States of) upon accession:

"The Government of the United Kingdom
have examined the reservations made by the Government of Micronesia to the
Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (New
York, 18 December 1979) on 9 September 2004 in respect of Article 11 (1) (d) on
the enactment of comparable worth legislation.

The Government of the United Kingdom object
to the aforesaid reservation made by the Government of Micronesia.

This objection shall not preclude the entry
into force of the Convention between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland and Micronesia."

NOTES

1. Resolution 34/180, Official Records of the General
Assembly of the United Nations, Thirty-fourth Session, Supplement No. 46
(A/34/46), p. 193.

2. The former Yugoslavia had signed and ratified the
Convention on 17 July 1980 and 26 February 1982, respectively. See also note 1
under "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "Croatia", "former
Yugoslavia", "Slovenia", "The Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia" and "Yugoslavia" in the "Historical
Information" section in the front matter of this volume.

3. The Secretary-General received several objections to
the signature of the above Convention by Democratic Kampuchea. These objections
are identical in matter, mutatis mutandis, as those reproduced in note 3 in chapter IV.3 regarding Democratic Kampuchea. Following is the list of
States who have notified their objection with the date of receipt of the
notifications:

4. Although Democratic Kampuchea had signed both [the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Political Rights and the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights] on 17 October 1980 (see
note 3 in this chapter), the Government of Cambodia deposited an instrument of
accession to the said Covenants.

5. On 10 June 1997, the Secretary-General received
communications concerning the status of Hong Kong from the Governments of China
and the United Kingdom (see also note 2 under "China" and note 2
under "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland"
regarding Hong Kong in the "Historical Information" section in the
front matter of this volume). Upon resuming the exercise of sovereignty over
Hong Kong, China notified the Secretary-General that the Convention with
the reservation made by China will also apply to the Hong Kong special
Administrative Region.

In addition, the notification made by the
Government of China contained the following declarations:

1. ...

2. The Government of the People's
Republic of China understands, on behalf of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region, the main purpose of the Convention, in the light of the
definition contained in article 1, to be the reduction, in accordance with its
terms, of discrimination against women, and does not therefore regard the
Convention as imposing any requirement upon the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region to repeal or modify any of its existing laws,
regulations, customs or practices which provide for women to be treated more
favourably than men, whether temporarily or in the longer term. Undertakings by
the Government of the People's Republic of China on behalf of the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region under article 4, paragraph 1, and other
provisions of the Convention are to be construed accordingly.

3. The Government of the People's
Republic of China reserves, for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
the right to continue to apply relevant immigration legislation governing the
entry into, stay in and departure from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
as may be deemed necessary from time to time. Accordingly, acceptance of
article 15, paragraph 4, and of the other provisions of the Convention is
subject to the provisions of any such legislation as regards persons not at the
time having the right under the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region to enter and remain in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

4. The Government of the People's
Republic of China understands, in the light of the definition contained in
article 1, that none of its obligations under the Convention shall be treated
as extending to the affairs of religious denominations or orders in the Hong
Kong Special Administrative Region.

5. Laws applicable in the New Territories
of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region which enable male indigenous
villagers to exercise certain rights in respect of property and which provide
for rent concessions in respect of land or property held by indigenous persons
or their lawful successors through the male line will continue to [be]
applied.

6. The Government of the People's
Republic of China reserves, for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
the right to apply all its legislation and the rules of pension schemes
affecting retirement pensions, survivors' benefits in relation to death or
retirement (including retirement on ground of redundancy), whether or not
derived from a social security scheme.

This reservation will apply to any future
legislation which may modify or replace such aforesaid legislation, or the
rules of pension schemes, on the understanding that the terms of such
legislation will be compatible with the Government of the People's Republic of
China's obligations under the Convention in respect of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region.

The Government of the People's Republic
of China reserves the right for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to
apply any non-discriminatory requirement for a qualifying period of employment
for the application of the provisions contained in article 11, paragraph 2 of
the Convention.

7. The Government of the People's
Republic of China understands, on behalf of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region, the intention of article 15, paragraph 3, of the
Convention to be that only those terms or elements of the contract or other
private instrument which are discriminatory in the sense described are to be
deemed null and void, but not necessarily the contract or instrument as a
whole.

6. Czechoslovakia had signed and ratified the Convention
on 17 July 1980 and 16 February 1982, respectively, with a reservation.
Subsequently, on 26 April 1991, the Government of Czechoslovakia notified the
Secretary-General of its decision to withdraw the reservation made upon
signature and confirmed upon ratification. For the text of the reservation, see
United Nations, Treaty Series , vol. 1249, p 123. See also note 3 in this chapter and note 1 under "Czech Republic" and note 1
under "Slovakia" in the "Historical Information" section in
the front matter of this volume.

7. The German Democratic Republic had signed and
ratified the Convention on 25 June 1980 and 9 July 1980, respectively. For the
text of the reservation, see United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1249, p. 128.
See also note 2 under "Germany" in the "Historical
Information" section in the front matter of this volume.

8. See note 1 under "Germany" regarding Berlin
(West) in the "Historical Information" section in the front matter of
this volume.

9. An instrument of accession had been deposited on 14
March 1980 with the Secretary-General. The signature was affixed on 17 July
1980 and was accompanied by the following declaration:

The People's Revolutionary Republic of
Guinea wishes to sign the Convention . . . with the understanding that this
procedure annuls the procedure of accession previously followed by Guinea with
respect to the Convention.

10. For the Kingdom in Europe, the Netherlands Antilles
and Aruba.

11. The instrument of ratification indicates that in
accordance with the special relationships which exist between New Zealand and
the Cook Islands and between New Zealand and Niue, there have been
consultations regarding the Convention between the Government of New Zealand
and the Government of the Cook Islands and between the Government of New
Zealand and the Government of Niue; that the Government of the Cook Islands,
which has exclusive competence to implement treaties in the Cook Islands, has
requested that the Convention should extend to the Cook Islands; that the
Government of Niue which has exclusive competence to implement treaties in
Niue, has requested that the Convention should extend to Niue. The said
instrument specifies that accordingly the Convention shall apply also to the
Cook Islands and Niue. See also note 48 .

12. See also note 1 under "New Zealand"
regarding Tokelau in the "Historical Information" section in the
front matter of this volume.

13. On 27 April 1999, the Government of Portugal informed
the Secretary-General that the Convention would apply to Macao.

Subsequently, the Secretary-General the
Secretary-General received communications concerning the status of Macao from
Portugal and China (see note 1 under Portugal and note 3 under China regarding
Macao in the "Historical Information" section in the front matter of
this volume.) Upon resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Macao, China
notified the Secretary-General that the Convention with the reservation made by
China will also apply to the Macao Special Administrative Region.

14. The instrument of ratification specifies that the
said Convention is ratified in respect of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, British Virgin Islands, Falkland
Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and Turks and Caicos
Islands.

In this connection, on 4 April 1989, the
Government of Argentina made the following objection:

The Argentine Republic rejects the
extension of the territorial application of the Convention on the Elimination
of all Forms of Discrimination againts Women, adopted by the United Nations
General Assembly on 18 December 1979, to the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands, South
Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, notified by the Government of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland upon its ratification of
that instrument on 7 April 1986.

The Argentine Republic reaffirms its
sovereignty over the aforementioned archipelagos, which are integral part of
its national territory, and recalls that the United Nations General Assembly
has adopted resolutions 2065 (XX), 3160 (XXVIII), 31/49, 37/9, 38/12 and 39/6,
in which a sovereignty dispute is recognized and the Governments of Argentina
and the United Kingdom are urged to resume negotiations in order to find as
soon as possible a peaceful and lasting solution to the dispute and their
remaining differneces relating to this question, through the good offices of
the Secretary-General. The General Assembly has also adopted resolutions 40/21,
41/40, 42/19 and 43/25, which reiterate its request to the parties to resume
such negotiations.

Subsequently, on 27 November 1989, the Secretary-
General
received from the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland a communication, the following communication:

"The Government of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland reject the statement made by the
Government of Argentina on 4 April 1989 regarding the Falkland Islands and
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. The Government of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Nothern Ireland have no doubt as to the British
sovereignty of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich
Islands, and thei consequent right to extend treaties to those
Territories."

Further, on 14 October 1996, the
Secretary-General received from the Government of the United Kingdom a
communication stating that it had decided to apply the Convention to Hong Kong,
subject to the following reservations and declarations (see also note 5 ):

"General

(a) The United Kingdom on behalf of Hong
Kong understands the main purpose of the Convention, in the light of the
definition contained in article 1, to the reduction, in accordance with its
terms, of discrimination against women, and does not therefore regard the
Convention as imposing any requirement to repeal or modify any existing laws,
regulations, customs or practices which provide for women to be treated more
favourably than men, whether temporarily or in the longer term. Undertakings by
the United Kingdom on behalf of Hong Kong under article 4, paragraph 1, and
other provisions of the Convention are to be construed accordingly.

(b) The right to continue to apply such
immigration legislation governing entry into, stay in and departure from Hong
Kong as may be deemed necessary from time to time is reserved by the United
Kingdom on behalf of Hong Kong. Accordingly, acceptance of article 15 (4),
and of the other provisions of the Convention, is subject to the provisions of
any such legislation as regards persons not at the time having the right under
the law of Hong Kong to enter and remain in Hong Kong.

(c) In the light of the definition
contained in article 1, the United Kingdom's extension of its ratification to
Hong Kong is subject to the understanding that none of its obligations under
the Convention in Hong Kong shall be treated as extending to the affairs of
religious denominations or orders.

(d) Laws applicable in the New
Territories which enable male indigenous villagers to exercise certain rights
in respect of property and which provide for rent concessions in respect of
land or property held by indigenous persons or their lawful successors through
the male line will continue to be applied.

Specific articles

Article 9

The British Nationality Act 1981, which
was brought into force with effect from January 1983, is based on principles
which do not allow of any discrimination against women within the meaning of
article 1 as regards acquisition, change, or retention of their nationality or
as regards the nationality of their children. The United Kingdom's acceptance
of article 9 on behalf of Hong Kong shall not, however, be taken to invalidate
the continuation of certain temporary or transitional provisions which will
continue in force beyond that date.

Article 11

The United Kingdom on behalf of Hong Kong
reserves the right to apply all Hong Kong legislation and the rules of pension
schemes affecting retirement pensions, survivors' benefits and other benefits
in relation to death or retirement (including retirement on grounds of
redundancy) whether or not derived from a social security scheme.

This reservation will apply equally to
any further legislation which may modify or replace such legislation, or the
rules of pension schemes, on the understanding that the terms of such
legislation will be compatible with the United Kingdom's obligations under the
Convention in respect of Hong Kong.

The United Kingdom on behalf of Hong Kong
reserves the right to apply any non-discriminatory requirement for a qualifying
period of employment for the application of the provisions contained in
article 11(2).

Article 15

In relation to article 15, paragraph 3,
the United Kingdom on behalf of Hong Kong understands the intention of this
provisions to be that only those terms or elements of a contract or other
private instrument which are discriminatory in the sense described are to be
deemed null and void, but not necessarily the contract or instrument as a
whole."

15. The formality was effected by Democratic Yemen. See
also note 1 under "Yemen" in the "Historical Information"
section in the front matter of this volume.

16. Several Governments notified the Secretary-General
that they consider the reservations made by the Government of Algeria upon
accession as incompatible with the object and purpose of the said Convention
and, therefore, prohibited by virtue of its article 28 (2), on the dates
indicated hereinafter:

Participant:

Date of
notification:

Sweden

4 Aug 1997

Portugal

14 Aug 1997

Denmark

24 Mar 1998

17. Upon ratification, the Government of Australia made
the following reservations:

"The Government of Australia states
that maternity leave with pay is provided in respect of most women employed by
the Commonwealth Government and the Governments of New South Wales and
Victoria. Unpaid maternity leave is provided in respect of all other women
employed in the State of New South Wales and elsewhere to women employed under
Federal and some State industrial awards. Social Security benefits subject to
income tests are available to women who are sole parents.

"The Government of Australia advises
that it is not at present in a position to take the measures required by
article 11 (2) to introduce maternity leave with pay or with comparable social
benefits throughout Australia.

The Government of Australia advises that
it does not accept the application of the Convention is so far as it would
require alteration of Defence Force policy which exludes women for combat and
combat-related duties. The Governnment of Australia is reviewing this policy do
as to more closely define 'combat' and ' combat-related
dutes."

On 30 August 2000, the Government of
Australia notified the Secretary-General of the following:

"The Government of Australia having
considered the reservations [made upon ratification], hereby withdraws that
part of the reservations which states:

The Goverment of Australia advises that
it does not accept the application of the Convention in so far as it would
require alteration of Defence Force policy which excludes women from combat and
combat-related duties. The Government of Australia is reviewing this policy so
as to more closely define 'combat' and 'combat-related duties'."

The complete text of the reservations is
published in United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1325, p. 378.

18. Upon ratification, the Government of Austria made the
following reservation:

"Austria reserves its right to apply
the provision of article 7 (b), as far as service in the armed forces
is concerned, and the provision of article 11, as far as night work of women
and special protection of working women is concerned, within the limits
established by national legislation."

On 11 September 2000, the Government of
Austria informed the Secretary-General that it had decided to withraw the
reservation to article 7 (b) of the Convention made upon ratification.

The complete text of the reservation is
published in United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1272, p. 456.

19. Upon accession, the Government of Bangladesh made the
following reservation:

"The Government of the People's
Republic of Bangladesh does not consider as binding upon itself the provisions
of articles 2, 13 (a) and 16 (1) (c) and (f) as they conflict with
Sharia law based on Holy Quran and Sunna."

On 23 July 1997, the Government of
Bangladesh notified the Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw the
reservation relating to articles 13 (a) and 16 (1) (c) and (f) made upon
accession.

The complete text of the reservation is
published in United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1379, p. 336.

20. In communications received on 8 March 1989, 19 and 20
April 1989, respectively, the Governments of the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics, the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic and the Ukraini- an
Soviet Socialist Republic notified the Secretary-General that they had decided
to withdraw the reservations made upon ratification relating to article 29 (1).
The reservations were identical in essence, mutatis mutandis, to the
reservation made by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. For the text of
the reservations, see United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1249, pp. 117, 121
and 133.

21. In communications received on 14 September 1998 and 8
July 2002, the Government of Belgium informed the Secretary-General that it had
decided to wihdraw its reservations made upon ratification with respect to
articles 7 and 15, paragraphs 2 and 3, respectively. For the text of the
reservations, see United Nations, Treaty Series , vol. 1402, p. 376.

22. Upon signature and ratification, the Government of
Brazil made, and confirmed, respectively, the following reservation:

"The Government of the Federative Republic
of Brazil hereby expresses its reservations to article 15, paragraph 4 and to
article 16, paragraphs 1 (a), (c), (g) and (h) of the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

"Furthermore, Brazil does not
consider itself bound by article 29, paragraph 1, of the above-mentioned
Convention."

On 20 December 1994, the Government of
Brazil notified the Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw the
following reservation made upon signature and confirmed upon ratification:

"The Government of the Federative
Republic of Brazil hereby expresses its reservations to article 15, paragraph 4
and to article 16, paragraphs 1 (a), (c), (g) and (h) of the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

The complete text of the reservation is
published in United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1249, p. 121.

23. On 24 June 1992, the Government of Bulgaria notified
the Secretary-General its decision to withdraw the reservation to article 29
(1) of the Convention, made upon signature and confirmed upon ratification. For
the text of the said reservation, see United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1249,
p. 121.

24. On 28 May 1992, the Government of Canada notified the
Secretary-General its decision to withdraw the declaration to article 11 (1)
(d) of the Convention, made upon ratification. For the text of the said
declaration, see United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1257, p. 496.

25. On 28 June 2000, the Government of Cyprus informed
the Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw its reservation to
article 9 (2) made upon accession. The text of the reservation reads
as follows:

"The Government of the Republic of
Cyprus wishes to enter a reservation concerning the granting to women of equal
rights with men with respect to the nationality of their children, mentioned in
article 9, paragraph 2 of the Convention. This reservation is to be withdrawn
upon amendment of the relevant law."

26. With regard to the reservations made by the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea upon accession, the Secretary-General
received the following communication from the State indicated hereinafter:

Ireland (2 April 2002):

"The Government of Ireland has
examined the reservations made by the Government of the Democratic People's Republic
of Korea to paragraph (f) of article 2 of article 9 of the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, at the time of its
accession thereto.

The Government of Ireland recalls that by
acceding to the Convention, a State commits itself to adopt the measures
required for the elimination of discrimination, in all its forms and
manifestations, against women.

The Government of Ireland notes that the
reservation to paragraph (f) of article 2 aims at excluding the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea from the obligation to adopt necessary measures, including
those of a legislative character, to eliminate any form of discrimination
against women. This provision touches upon a key element for the effective
elimination of discrimination against women.

The Government of Ireland further notes
that the reservation to paragraph 2 of article 9 of the Convention aims to
exclude an obligation of non-discrimination, which is the object of the
Convention.

The Government of Ireland considers that
the obligations contained in paragraph (f) of article 2 and paragraph 2 of
article 9 are so central to the aims of the Convention as to render the
aforesaid reservations contrary to its object and purpose.

The Government of Ireland recalls that.
In accordance with paragraph 2 of article 28 of the Convention, a reservation
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall not be
permitted.

The Government of Ireland therefore
objects to the aforesaid reservations made by the Government of the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women.

This objection does not preclude the
entry into force of the Convention between Ireland and the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea."

27. On 24 January 2000, the Government of Fiji notified
the Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw its "reservations on
articles 5 (a) and 9 of the Convention." made upon accession.

28. Upon ratification, the Government of France had also
made the following reservations:

Articles 5 (b) and 16 (1 (d)

1. The Government of the French Republic
declares that article 5 (b) and article 16, paragraph 1 (d), must not be
interpreted as implying joint exercise of parental authority in situations in
which French legislation allows of such excercise by only one parent.

2. The Government of the French Republic
declares that aritcle 16, paragraph 1 (d), of the Convention must not preclude
the application of article 383 of the Civil Code.

Article 7

The Government of the French Republic
declares that article 7 must not preclude the application of the second
paragraph of article LO 128 of the electoral code.

Articles 15 (2) and (3) and 16, 1 (c) and
(h)

The Government of the French Republic
declares that article 15, paragraphs 2 and 3, and article 16, paragraphs 1 (c)
and 1 (h), of the Convention must not preclude the application of the
provisions of Book Three, part V, chapter II, of the Civil Code.

In a notification received on 26 March
1984, the Government of France informed the Secretary-General of its decision
to withdraw the reservation to article 7 of the Convention made upon
ratification. The notification specified that the withdrawal was effected
because Organic Law No. 83-1096 of 20 December 1983 has abrogated article LO
128 of the electoral code relating to temporary disqualifications of persons
who have obtained French nationality.

Subsequently, in a notification received
on 21 July 1986, the Government of France informed the Secretary-General that
it decided to withdraw its reservation relating to article 15, paragraphs 2 and
3, and article 16, paragraphs 1 (c), (d) and (h) of the Convention, made upon
ratification. The notification specified that the withdrawal was effected
because the existing discriminatory provisions, against women, in the rules
governing property rights arising out of matrimonial relationship and in those
concerning the legal administration of the property of children were abrogated
by Act No. 85-1372 of 23 December 1985 concerning equality of spouses in
respect of property rights arising out of a matrimonial relationship and
equality of parents in respect of the property of minor children, which entered
into force on 1 July 1986.

Further, on 22 December 2003, the
Government of France informed the Secretary-General that it had decided to lift
its reservation relating to articles 5(b) and 16 1(d ) made upon
ratification.

The complete text of the reservations is
published in United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1343, p. 370.

29. Upon ratification, the Government of the Federal
Republic of Germany made the following declaration and reservation in respect
of article 7 (b):

The Federal Republic of Germany declares
in respect of the paragraph of the Preamble to the Convention starting with the
words "affirming that the strengthening of international peace and
security":

The right of peoples to
self-determination, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in
the International Covenants of 16 December 1966, applies to all peoples
and not only to those living 'under alien and colonial domination and foreign
occupation'. All peoples thus have the inalienable right freely to determine
their political satus and freely to pursue their economic, social and cultural
development. The Federal Republic of Germany would be unable to recognize as
legally valid an interpretation of the right to self-determination which
contradicts the unequivocal wording of the Charter of the United Nations and of
the two International Covenants of 16 December 1966 on Civil and Political
Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural rights. It will interpret the 11th
paragraph of the Preamble accordingly.

Reservation

Article 7(b) will not be applied to the
extent that it contradicts the second sentence of Article 12 a (4) of the Basic
Law of the Federal Republic of Germany. Pursuant to this provision of the
Constitution, women may on no acount render service involving the use of
arms.

On 10 December 2001, the Government of
the Federal Republic of Germany informed the Secretary-General that it had
decided to withdraw its reservation to article 7 (b) made upon ratification.

The complete text of the reservation is
published in United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1402, p. 378. See also
note 7.

30. In a communication received on 8 December 1989, the
Government of Hungary notified the Secretary-General that it had decided to
withdraw the reservation in respect of article 29 (1) made upon ratification.
For the text of the reservation see United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1249,
p. 129.

31. On 12 December 1986, the Secretary General received
from the Government of Israel the following objection:

. . . In the view of the Government of
the State of Israel, such declaration which is explicitly of a political
character is incompatible with the purposes and objectives of the Convention
and cannot in any way affect whatever obligations are binding upon Iraq under
general international law or under particular conventions.

The Government of the State of Israel will,
in so far as concerns the substance of the matter, adopt towards Iraq an
attitude of complete reciprocity.

32. Upon accession, the Government of Ireland also made
the following reservations:

"Article 9 (1)

Pending the proposed amendment to the law
relating to citizenship, which is at an advance stage, Ireland reserves the
right to retain the provisions in its existing law concerning the acquisition
of citizenship on marriage.

Articles 13 (b) and (c)

The question of supplementing the
guarantee of equality contained in the Irish Constitution which special
legislation governing access to financial credit and other services and
recreational activities, where these are provided by private persons,
organisations or enterprises is under consideration. For the time being Ireland
reserves the right to regard its existing law and measures in this area as
appropriate for the attainment in Ireland of the objectives of the
Convention.

Article 15

With regard to paragraph 3 of this
article, Ireland reserves the right not to supplement the existing provisions
in Irish law which accord women a legal capacity identical to that of men with
further legislation governing the validity of any contract or other private
instrument freely entered into by a woman.

With regard to paragraph 4 of this
article, Ireland observes the equal rights of women relating to the movement of
persons and the freedom to choose their residence; pending the proposed
amendment of the law of domicile, which is at an advnace stage, it reserves the
right to retain its existing law.

Articles 11 (1) and 13 (a)

Ireland reserves the right to regard the
Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, 1974 and the Employment Equality Act 1977 and
other measures taken in implementation of the European Economic Community
standards concerning employment opportunities and pay as sufficient
implementation of articles 11,1 (b), (c) and (d).

Ireland reserves the right for the time
being to maintain provisions of Irish legislation in the area of social
security which are more favourable to women than men and, pending the coming
into force of the Social Welfare (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 1985, to apply
special conditions to the entitlement of married women to certain social
security schemes."

On 19 December 1986, the Government of
Ireland notified the Secretary-General that "following the enactment of
the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1986, and the Domicile and
Recognition of Foreign Divorces Act 1986, it has been decided to withdraw
certain reservations which had been made upon accession and relating to
articles 9 (1) and 15 (4) of the Convention. Following the coming into force of
the Social Welfare (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1985, it has also been decided to
withdraw the reservation contained in the concluding words in the text of
Ireland's reservation to Article (11) (1) and 13 (a), that is: 'and
pending the coming into force of the Social Welfare (No. 2) Act 1985, to
apply special conditions to the entitlement of married women to certain social
security schemes' ".

Further, on 24 March 2000, the Government
of Ireland notified the Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw its
reservation made to article 15 (3) made upon accession.

Subsequently, on 11 June 2004, the
Government of Ireland notified the Secretary-General that it had decided to
withdraw its reservation to articles 13(b) and (c) made upon accession which
reads as follows:

"The question of supplementing the
guarantee of equality contained in the Irish Constitution which special
legislation governing access to financial credit and other services and
recreational activities, where these are provided by private persons,
organisations or enterprises is under consideration. For the time being Ireland
reserves the right to regard its existing law and measures in this area as
appropriate for the attainment in Ireland of the objectives of the
Convention."

The complete text of the reservations is
published in United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1413, p. 415.

33. Upon ratification, the Government of Jamaica made the
following reservations:

"The Government of Jamaica does not
consider itself bound by the provisions of Article 9, paragraph 2, of the
Convention."

"The Government of Jamaica delcares
that it does not consider itself bound by the provions of Article 29, paragraph
1, of the Convention."

On 8 September 1995, the Government of
Jamaica notified the Secretary-General of its decision to withdraw its
reservation with respect to article 9 (2) which it had made upon
ratification.

The complete text of the reservations is
published in United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1374, p. 439.

34. Several Governments notified the Secretary-General
that they consider the reservations made by the Government of Kuwait concerning
article 7 (a) and article 16 (f) as "incompatible with the object and
purpose of the said Convention and, therefore, as prohibited by virtue of its
article 28 paragraph 2" on the dates indicated hereinafter:

Participant:

Date of
notification:

Belgium

19 Jan 1996

Austria

22 Feb 1996

Portugal

15 May 1996

35. The Government of Kuwait informed the
Secretary-General, by a notification recieved on 9 December 2005, of its decision
to withdraw the following reservation in respect of article 7 (a), made upon
accession to the Convention, which read as follows:

The Government of Kuwait enters a
reservation regarding article 7 (a), inasmuch as the provision
contained in that paragraph conflicts with the Kuwaiti Electoral Act, under
which the right to be eligible for election and to vote is restricted to
males.

It is recalled that, on 12 February 1997,
the Secretary-General received from the Government of Denmark the following communication
with regard to reservations made by Kuwait upon ratification:

"The Government of Denmark finds
that the said reservations are covering central provisions of the Convention.
Furthermore it is a general principle of international law that internal law
may not be invoked as justification for failure to perform treaty obligations.
The Government of Denmark finds that the reservations are incompatible with the
object and purpose of the Convention and accordingly inadmissible and without
effect under international law. Consequently, the Government of Denmark objects
to these reservations.

It is the opinion of the Government of
Denmark that no time limit applies to objections against reservations, which
are inadmissible under international law.

The Convention remains in force in its
entirety between Kuwait and Denmark.

The Government of Denmark recommends the
Government of Kuwait to reconsider its reservations to the [said]
Convention."

On that same date, the Secretary-General
also received from the Government of Denmark, communications, identical in
essence, mutatis mutandis, as the one made for Kuwait, with regard to
reservations made by Lesotho (see also note 37 ) and Malaysia (see also note 42 ), Maldives (see also note 43 ) and Singapore made upon accession, as well as on 23 March 1998, in regard
to the reservations made by Pakistan upon ratification.

36. On 26 June 1998, the Secretary-General received from
the Government of Denmark the following communciation with regard to the
reservation made by Lebanon upon accession in respect of article 9, paragraph
2, and article 16, paragraph 1 c), d), f) and g). in as much as the last
paragraph deals with the right to choose a family name:

The Government of Denmark is of the view
that the reservations made by the Government of Lebanon raise doubts as to the
commitment of Lebanon to the object and purpose of the Convention and would
recall that, according to article 28, paragraph 2 of the Convention, a
reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of the present Convention
shall not be permitted. For this reason, the Government of Denmark objects to
the said reservations made by the Government of Lebanon.

The Government of Denmark recommends the
Government of Lebanon to reconsider their reservations to [the Covenant].

37. On 25 August 2004, the Government of Lesotho informed
the Secretary-General that it had decided to modify its reservation. The
original reservation made upon ratification reads as follows:

"The Government of the Kingdom of
Lesotho declares that it does not consider itself bound by article 2 to the
extent that it conflicts with Lesotho's constitutional stipulations relative to
succession to the throne of the Kingdom of Lesotho and law relating to
succession to chieftainship. The Lesotho Government's ratification is subject
to the understanding that none of its obligations under the Convention
especially in article 2 (e), shall be treated as extending to the affairs of
religious denominations. Furthermore, the Lesotho Government declares it shall
not take any legislative measures under the Convention where those measures
would be incompatible with the Constitution of Lesotho."

38. On 5 July 1995, the Government of the Socialist
People's Libyan Arab Republic notified the Secretary-General of the "new
formulation of its reservation to the Convention, which replaces the
formulation contained in the instrument of accession" which read as
follows:

[Accession] is subject to the general
reservation that such accession cannot conflict with the laws on personal
status derived from the Islamic Shariah.

39. Upon accession, the Government of Liechtenstein made
the following reservations:

Reservation concerning article 1

"In the light of the definition
given in article 1 of the Convention, the Principality of Liechtenstein
reserves the right to apply, with respect to all the obligations of the
Convention, article 3 of the Liechtenstein Constitution."

Reservation concerning article 9 (2)

The Principality of Liechtenstein
reserves the right to apply the Liechtenstein legislation according to which
Liechtenstein nationality is granted under certain conditions."

On 3 October 1996, the Government of
Liechtenstein notified the Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw
its reservation to article 9 (2) made upon accession which reads as follows:

The Principality of Liechtenstein
reserves the right to apply the Liechtenstein legislation according to which
Liechtenstein nationality is granted under certain conditions."

The complete text of the reservation is
published in United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1936, p. 407.

40. On 24 October 1991, the Government of Malawi notified
the Secretary-General of its decision to withdraw the following reservations
made upon accession:

"Owing to the deep-rooted nature of
some traditional customs and practices of Malawians, the Government of the
Republic of Malawi shall not, for the time being, consider itself bound by such
of the provisions of the Convention as require immediate eradication of such
traditional customs and practices.

"While the Government of the
Republic of Malawi accepts the principles of article 29, paragraph 2 of the Convention
this acceptance should nonetheless be read in conjunction with [its]
declaration of 12th December 1966, concerning the recognition, by the
Government of the Republic of Malawi, as compulsory the jurisdiction of the
International Justice under article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the
Court."

In respect of the first reservation, the
Secretary-General had received, on 5 August 1987, from the Government of Mexico
the following communication:

The Government of the United Mexican
States hopes that the process of eradication of traditional customs and
practices referred to in the first reservation of the Republic of Malawi will
not be so protracted as to impair fulfillment of the purpose and intent of the
Convention.

41. On 25 October 1996, the Secretary-General received
from the Government of Sweden, the following communication regarding
reservations made by Malaysia upon accession:

42. On 6 February 1998, the Government of Malaysia
notified the Secretary-General that it had decided to modify its reservation
made upon accession as follows:

With respect to article 5 (a) of the
Convention, the Government of Malaysia declares that the provision is subject
to the Syariah law on the division of inherited property.

With respect to article 7 (b) of the
Convention, the Government of Malaysia declares that the application of said
article 7 (b) shall not affect appointment to certain public offices like the
Mufti Syariah Court Judges, and the Imam which is in accordance with the
provisions of the Islamic Shariah law.

With respect to article 9, paragraph 2 of
the Convention, the Government of Malaysia declares that its reservation will
be reviewed if the Government amends the relevant law.

With respect to article 16.1 (a) and
paragraph 2, the Government of Malaysia declares that under the Syariah law and
the laws of Malaysia the age limit for marriage for women is sixteen and men is
eighteen."

In keeping with the depositary practice
followed in similar cases, the Secretary-General proposed to receive the
modification in question for deposit in the absence of any objection on the
part of any of the Contracting States, either to the deposit itself or to the
procedure envisaged, within a period of 90 days from the date of its
notification (21 April 1998), that is to say, on 20 July 1998.

In this regard, on the dates indicated
below, the Secretary-General received from the Governments of France and the
Netherlands the following communcations relating to the said partial
withdrawal.

France (20 July 1998:)

France considers that the reservation
made by Malaysia, as expressed in the partial withdrawal and modifications made
by Malaysia on 6 February 1998, is incompatible with the object and purpose of
the Convention. France therefore objects to the [reservation].

This objection shall not otherwise affect
the entry into force of the Convention between France and Malaysia.

Netherlands (21 July 1998):

"The Government of the Kingdom of
the Netherlands has examined the modfication of the reservations made by
Malaysia to article 5(a) and 16.1. (a) and paragraph 2 of the [Convention].

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands acknowledges that Malaysia has specified these reservations, made
at the time of its accession to the Convention. Nevertheless the Govenrment of
the Kingdom of the Nethelrands wishes to declare that it assumes that Malaysia
will ensure implementation of the rights enshrined in the above articles and
will strive to bring its relevant national legislation into conformity with the
obligations imposed by the Convention. This declaration shall not preclude the
entry into force of the Convention between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and
Malaysia."

Consequently, the modification in
question is not accepted, the Government of France having objected thereto.

43. On 29 January 1999, the Government of Maldives
notified the Secretary-General of a modification of its reservation made upon
accession. In keeping with the depositary practice followed in similar cases,
the Secretary-General proposed to receive the modification in question for
deposit in the absence of any objection on the part of any of the contracting
States, either to the deposit itself or to the procedure envisaged, within a
period of 90 days from the date of its notification (i.e. 25 March 1999). No
objection having been received, the modification was accepted for deposit upon
the expiration of the 90 day period, that is to say on 23 June 1999. The text
of the reservations made upon accession read as follows:

Reservations:

"The Government of the Republic of
Maldives will comply with the provisions of the Convention, except those which
the Government may consider contradictory to the principles of the Islamic
Sharia upon which the laws and traditions of the Maldives is founded.

Furthermore, the Republic of Maldives
does not see itself bound by any provisions of the Convention which obliges to
change its Constitution and laws in any manner."

In this regard, the Secretary-General
received communications from various States on the dates indicated
hereinafter:

Finland (17 August 1999):

"The Government of Finland objected
in 1994 to the reservations made by the Government of Maldives upon accession
to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women. The Government of Finland has now examined the contents of the modified
reservation made by the Government of the Republic of Maldives to the said
Convention.

The Government of Finland welcomes with
satisfaction that the Government of the Republic of Maldives has specified the
reservations made at the time of its accession to the Convention. However, the
reservations to Article 7 (a) and Article 16 still include elements which are
objectionable. The Government of Finland therefore wishes to declare that it
assumes that the Government of the Republic of Maldives will ensure the
implementation of the rights recognised in the Convention and will do its
utmost to bring its national legislation into compliance with obligations under
the Convention with a view to withdrawing the reservation. This declaration
does not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between the Maldives
and Finland".

Germany (16 August 1999):

The modification does not constitute a
withdrawal or a partial withdrawal of the original reservations to the
Convention by the Republic of the Maldives. Instead the modification constitutes
a new reservation to articles 7 a (right of women to vote in all elections and
public referenda and be eligible for elections to all publicly elected bodies)
and 16 (elimination of discrimination against women in all matters relating to
marriage and family relations) of the Convention extending and reinforcing the
original reservations.

The Government of the Federal Republic of
Germany notes that reservations to treaties can only be made by a State when
signing, ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding to a treaty (article 19 of
the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties). After a State has bound itself
to a treaty under international law it can no longer submit new reservations or
extend or add to old reservations. It is only possible to totally or partially
withdraw original reservations, something unfortunately not done by the
Government of the Republic of the Maldives with its modification.

The Government of the Federal Republic of
Germany objects to the modification of the reservations".

44. With regard to the reservation made by Mauritania
upon accession, the Secretary-General received communications from the
following States on the dates indicated hereinafter:

Ireland (13 June 2002):

"The Government of Ireland [has]
examined the reservation made by Mauritania upon its accession to the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination against
Women.

The Government of Ireland [is] of the
view that a reservation which consists of a general reference to religious law
and to the Constitution of the reserving State and which does not clearly
specify the provisions of the Convention to which it applies and the extent of
the derogation therefrom, may cast doubts on the commitment of the reserving
State to fulfil its obligations under the Convention. The Government of Ireland
[is] furthermore of the view that such a general reservation may undermine the
basis of international treaty law.

The Government of Ireland [recalls] that
article 28, paragraph 2 of the Convention provides that a reservation
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall not be
permitted.

The Government of Ireland therefore
[objects] to the reservation made by Mauritania to the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

This objection shall not preclude the
entry into force of the Convention between Ireland and Mauritania."

France (17 June 2002):

The Government of the French Republic has
examined the reservation made by the Government of Mauritania upon accession to
the Convention of 18 December 1979 on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women. By stating that it approves the Convention in
each and every one of its parts which are not contrary to Islamic Sharia and to
its Constitution, the Government of Mauritania formulates a reservation of
general, indeterminate scope that gives the other States parties no idea which
provisions of the Convention are currently affected by the reservation or might
be affected in future. The Government of the French Republic considers that the
reservation could make the provisions of the Convention ineffective and objects
to it.

45. In a communication received on 5 May 1998, the Government
of Mauritius informed the Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw its
reservations with regard to subparagraphs (b) and (d) of paragraph 1 of
article 11 and subparagraph (g) of paragraph 1 of article 16 made upon
accession. For the text of the reservations, see United Nations, Treaty Series,
vol. 1361, p. 356.

46. In regard to the reservations made by the Government
of Micronesia (Federated States of) upon accession, the Secretary-General
received a communication from the following State on the date indicated
hereinafter:

Portugal (15 December 2005):

The Government o f Portugal has carefully
examined the reservations made by the Federated States of Micronesia upon its
accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination
Against Women (CEDAW).

The first and second reservations concern
fundamental provisions of the Convention and are not in conformity with its
object and purpose. Articles 2, 5, 11 and 16 outline the measures which a State
party is required to take in order to implement the Convention, cover the
fundamental rights of women and deal with key elements for the elimination and
discrimination against women.

Portugal considers that such reservations
may create doubts as to the commitment of the reserving State tp the objection
and purpose of the Convention and, moreover, contribute to undermining the
basis of international law.

It is in the common interest of all
states that treaties to which have chosen tt become parties are respected as to
their object and purpose by all parties and that States are prepared to
undertake any legislative changes necessary to comply wit their obligations
under the treaties.

The Government of the Portuguese
Republic, therefore, objects to the above reservations made by the Federated
States of Micronesia to CEDAW.

This objection shall not preclude the
entry into force of the Convention between Portugal and Micronesia.

47. In a communication received on 19 July 1990, the
Government of Mongolia notified the Secretary-General of its decision to
withdraw the reservation, made upon ratification with respect to article 29
(1). For the text of the reservation, see United Nations, Treaty Series, vol.
1249, p. 131.

48. On 13 January 1989, the Secretary-General received
from the Government of New Zealand, a communication notifying him that, after
consultation with the Government of the Cook Islands and the Government of
Niue, it denounced the Convention concerning the employment of women on
underground work in mines of all kinds (ILO Convention No. 45) on 23 June 1987
and that in accordance with article 28 (3) of the Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, it withdraws the reservation made
upon ratification which reads as follows:

"The Government of New Zealand, the
Government of the Cook Islands and the Government of Niue reserve the right, to
the extent the Convention is inconsistent with the provisions of the Convention
concerning the Employment of Women on Underground Work in Mines of all Kinds
(ILO Convention No. 45) which was ratified by the Government of New Zealand on
29 March 1938, to apply the provisions of the latter."

See also note 1 under "Cook
Islands" and note 1 under "Niue" in the "Historical
Information" section in the front matter of this volume.

49. On 5 September 2003, the Government of New Zealand
informed the Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw its reservation
in respect only of the metropolitan territory of New Zealand. The reservation
reads as follows:

"The Government of New Zealand, the
Government of the Cook Islands and the Government of Niue reserve the right not
to apply the provisions of article 11 (2) (b)."

Moreover, the Government of New Zealand
notified the Secretary-General of the the following territorial exclusion:

"Declares that, consistent with the
constitutional status of Tokelau and taking into account the commitment of the
Government of New Zealand to the development of self-government for Tokelau
through an act of self-determination under the Charter of the United Nations,
the withdrawal of this reservation shall not extend to Tokelau unless and until
a Declaration to this effect is lodged by the Government of New Zealand with
the Depositary on the basis of appropriate consultation with that
territory."

See also note 1 under "Cook
Islands" and note 1 under "Niue" in the "Historical
Information" section in the front matter of this volume.

50. With regard to the reservations made by the
Government of Niger upon accession, the Secretary-General received from the
Governments of the following States, communications on the dates indicated
hereinafter:

France (14 November 2000):

By indicating that it "expresses
reservations" to article 2, paragraphs (d) and (f), article 5,
paragraph (a), and article 16, paragraph 1 (c), (e) and (g), the Government of
the Republic of the Niger is aiming completely to preclude the application of
the provisions concerned. The reservation to article 15, paragraph 4, which
seeks to deprive married women of the right to choose their residence and
domicile, is contrary to the object and purpose of the Convention.

The general reservation relating to the
provisions of article 2, paragraphs (d) and (f), article 5, paragraphs (a) and
(b), article 15, paragraph 4, and article 16, paragraph 1 (c), (e) and (g),
seeks to ensure that domestic law, and even domestic practice and the current
values of society, prevail in general over the provisions of the Convention.
The provisions in question concern not only family relations but also social
relations as a whole; in particular, article 2, paragraph (d), imposes an
obligation on public authorities and institutions to comply with the ban on any
act or practice of discrimination, and article 2, paragraph (f), establishes
the obligation to take the appropriate measures, notably legislative measures,
to prevent discrimination against women, including in relations between
individuals. Because it ignores these obligations, the reservation is
manifestly contrary to the object and purpose of the Convention.

The Government of the French Republic
considers that the reservations to articles 2, 5, 15 and 16 completely vitiate
the undertaking of the Republic of the Niger and are manifestly not authorized
by the Convention; in consequence, it enters its objection to them.

[The Permanent Mission further adds] that
the reservations of the Republic of the Niger, made on 8 October 1999, were
notified by the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 2 November 1999 and
received by the French Republic on 16 November 1999. In these circumstances,
the French Republic is still able, as at this date and until 15 November 2000,
to lodge an objection and the Secretary-General of the United Nations cannot
treat this act as a simple communication.

Netherlands (6 December 2000):

"The Government of the Kingdom of
the Netherlands is of the view that these reservations which seek to limit the
obligations of the reserving State by invoking its national law, may raise
doubts as to the commitment of Niger to the object and purpose of the
Convention and, moreover, contribute to undermining the basis of international
treaty law.

The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands recalls that according to paragraph 2 of Article 28 of the
Convention, a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention shall not be permitted.

It is in the common interest of States
that treaties to which they have chosen to become party are respected, as to
their object and purpose, by all parties and that States are prepared to
undertake any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations
under the treaties.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands therefore
objects to the afore-said reservations made by the Government of Niger to the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
This objection shall not preclude the entry into force of the Convention
between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Niger."

51. On 13 August 1997, the Secretary-General received
from the Government of Sweden the following communication with regard to the
reservation made by Singapore:

"The Government of Sweden is of the
view that these general reservations raise doubts as to the commitment of
Singapore to the object and purpose of the Convention and would recall that,
according to article 28, paragraph 2, of the Convention, a reservation
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall not be
permitted.

It is in the common interest of states
that treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected, as to
their object and purpose, by all parties and that states are prepared to
undertake any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations
under the treaties.

The Government of Sweden is further of
the view that general reservations of the kind made by the Government of
Singapore, which do not clearly specify the provisions of the Convention to
which they apply and the extent of the derogation therefrom, contribute to
undermining the basis of international treaty law.

The Government of Sweden therefore
objects to the aforesaid general reservations made by the Government of
Singapore to the [said Convention].

This objection does not preclude the
entry into force of the Convention between Singapore and Sweden. The Convention
will thus become operative between the two states without Singapore benefiting
from these reservations.

It is the opinion of the Government of
Sweden, that no time limit applies to objections against reservations, which
are inadmissible under international law."

On that same date, the Secretary-General
received from the Government of Sweden, a communication with regard to the
declaration made by Pakistan, identical in essence, mutatis mutandis, as the
one made for Singapore.

52. In this regard, on 23 July 1997, the
Secretary-General received from the Government of Portugal, the following
communication:

"Portugal is of the view that a
general declaration of the kind made by Pakistan, constituting in fact in legal
terms a general reservation, and not clearly specifying the provisions of the
Convention to which it applies and the extent of the derogation therefrom,
contributes to undermining the basis of international law.

Furthermore, according to paragraph 2 of
article 28 of the Convention, a general reservation of such a kind is
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention and shall not be
permitted.

Portugal therefore objects to the
aforesaid general reservation which will not preclude the entry into force of
the Convention in its entirety between Pakistan and Portugal."

53. On 16 October 1997, the Government of Poland notified
the Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw its reservation with
regard to article 29, paragraph 1 of the Convention made upon ratification. For
the text of the reservation see United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1249, p. 13.

54. Upon ratification, the Government of the Republic of
Korea made the following reservations:

"The Government of the Republic of
Korea, having examined the said Convention, hereby ratifies the Convention
considering itself not bound by the provisions of Article 9 and sub-paragraphs
(c), (d), (f) and (g) of paragraph 1 of Article 16 of the Convention."

On 15 March 1991, the Government of the
Republic of Korea notified the Secretary-General of its decision to withdraw,
with effect as from that date, the reservation made upon ratification to the
extent that they apply to sub-paragraphs (c), (d) and (f) of paragraph 1 of
article 16.

Subsequently, on 24 August 1999, the
Government of the Republic of Korea notified the Secretary-General of its
decision to withdraw, with effect as from that date, its reservation made upon
ratification to article 9.

55. On 2 April 1997, the Government of Romania notified
the Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw its reservation made with
regard to article 29 of the Convention. For the text of the Convention, see
United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1259, p. 437.

56. On 29 April 2004, the Government of Switzerland
notified the Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw its reservation in
respect of article 7 (b) made upon ratification. The text of the reservation
reads as follows:

(a) Reservation concerning article 7
(b):

Said provisions shall be without
prejudice to Swiss military legislation prohibiting women from performing
functions involving armed conflict, except in self-defence; ...

57. Upon accession, the Government of Thailand made the
following declaration and reservations:

"Declaration:

The Royal Thai Government wishes to
express its understanding that the purposes of the Convention are to eliminate
discrimination against women and to accord to every person, men and women
alike, equality before the law, and are in accordance with the principles
prescribed by the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Reservations:

1. In all matters which concern national
security, maintenance of public order and service or employment in the military
or paramilitary forces, the Royal Thai Government reserves its right to apply
the provisions of the Convention ont the Elmination of all foms of discrimination
aginst Women, in particular articles 7 and 10 , only within the limits
establshed by national laws regulations and practices.

2. With regard to article 9, paragraph 2,
[...] the Royal Thai Government considers that the application of the said
provisions shall be subject to the limits and criteria established by national
law, regulations and practices."

3. The Royal Thai Government does not
consider itself bound by the provisions of [...] article 16 and article 29,
paragraph 1, of the Convention.

On 25 January 1991, the Government of
Thailand notified the Secretary-General of its decision to withdraw the
reservations made upon accession to the extent that they apply to article 11,
paragraph 1 (b), and article 15, paragraph 3.

Subsequently, on 26 October 1992, the
Government of Thailand notified the Secretary-General its decision to withdraw
one of the reservations made upon accession to the Convention, i.e., that
relating to article 9 (2), which reservation reads as follows:

"2. With regard to article 9,
paragraph 2, [...] the Royal Thai Government considers that the application of
the said provisions shall be subject to the limits and criteria established by
national law, regulations and practices."

Subsequently, on 1 August 1996, the
Government of Thailand notified the Secretary-General of its decision to
withdraw, as from that same date, the following reservation, made upon
accession:

"1. In all matters which concern
national security, maintenance of public order and service or employment in the
military or para military forces, the Royal Thai Government reserves its right
to apply the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination against Women, in particular articles 7 and 10, only within the
limits established by national laws, regulations and practices."

The complete text of the declaration and
reservations are published in United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1404, p.
419.

58. With regard to the reservations made by the United
Arab Emirates upon accession, the Secretary-General received a communication
from the following State on the date indicated hereinafter:

Denmark (14 December 2005):

"The Government of Denmark has
examined the reservations made by the Government of the United Arab Emirates
upon accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women regarding article 2 (f), 15 (2) and 16 pertaining
to Shariah principles.

The Government of Denmark considers that
the reservations made by the United Arab Emirates to article 2 (f), 15 (2) and
16 referring to the contents of the Shariah Law do not clearly specify the
extent to which the United Arab Emirates feel committed to the object and
purpose of the Convention. Consequently, the Government of Denmark considers
the said reservations as being incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention. Consequently, the Government of Denmark considers the said
reservations as being incompatible with the object and purpose of the
Convention and accordingly inadmissible and without effect under international
law.

The Government of Denmark wishes to
recall that, according to article 28 (2) of the Convention reservations
incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall not be
permitted.

The Government of Denmark therefore
objects to the aforementioned reservations made by the Government of the United
Arab Emirates to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women. This shall not preclude the entry into force of
the Convention in its entirety between the United Arab Emirates and Denmark.

The Government of Denmark recommends the
Government of the United Arab Emirates to reconsider its reservations to the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women."

59. Upon ratification the Government of the United
Kingdom made the following declarations and reservations:

"A. On behalf of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:

"(a) The United Kingdom understands
the main purpose of the Convention, in the light of the definition contained in
Article 1, to be the reduction, in accordance with its terms, of discrimination
against women, and does not therefore regard the Convention as imposing any
requirement to repeal or modify any existing laws, regulations, customs or
practices which provide for women to be treated more favourably than men,
whether temporarily or in the longer term; the United Kingdom's undertakings
under Article 4, paragraph 1, and other provisions of the Convention are to be
construed accordingly.

"(b) The United Kingdom reserves the
right to regard the provisions of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the
Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978, the Employment Act 1980, the
Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, the Industrial Relations (No.
2) (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, the Industrial Relations (Northern Ireland)
Order 1982, the Equal Pay Act 1970 (as amended) and the Equal Pay Act (Northern
Ireland) 1970 (as amended), including the exceptions and exemptions contained
in any of these Acts and Orders, as constituting appropriate measures for the
practical realisation of the objectives of the Convention in the social and
economic circumstances of the United Kingdom, and to continue to apply these
provisions accordingly; this reservation will apply equally to any future
legislation which may modify or replace the above Acts and Orders on the
understanding that the terms of such legislation will be compatible with the
United Kingdom's obligations under the Convention.

"(c) In the light of the definition
contained in Article 1, the United Kingdom's ratification is subject to the
understanding that none of its obligations under the Convention shall be
treated as extending to the succession to, or possession and enjoyment of, the
Throne, the peerage, titles of honour, social precedence or armorial bearings,
or as extending to the affairs of religious denominations or orders or to the
admission into or service in the Armed Forces of the Crown.

"(d) The United Kingdom reserves the
right to continue to apply such immigration legislation governing entry into,
stay in, and departure from, the United Kingdom as it may deem necessary from
time to time and, accordingly, its acceptance of Article 15 (4) and of the
other provisions of the Convention is subject to the provisions of any such
legislation as regards persons not at the time having the right under the law
of the United Kingdom to enter and remain in the United Kingdom.

"Article 1

With reference to the provisions of the Sex
Discrimination Act 1975 and other applicable legislation, the United Kingdom's
acceptance of Article 1 is subject to the reservation that the phrase
"irrespective of their marital status" shall not be taken to render
discriminatory any difference of treatment accorded to single persons as
against married persons, so long as there is equality of treatment as between
married men and married women and as between single men and single women.

"Article 2

In the light of the substantial progress
already achieved in the United Kingdom in promoting the progressive elimination
of discrimination against women, the United Kingdom reserves the right, without
prejudice to the other reservations made by the United Kingdom, to give effect
to paragraphs (f) and (g) by keeping under review such of its laws and
regulations as may still embody significant differences in treatment between
men and women with a view to making changes to those laws and regulations when
to do so would be compatible with essential and overriding considerations of
economic policy. In relation to forms of discrimination more precisely
prohibited by other provisions of the Convention, the obligations under this
Article must (in the case of the United Kingdom) be read in conjunction with
the other reservations and declarations made in respect of those provisions
including the declarations and reservations of the United Kingdom contained in
paragraphs (a) - (d) above.

"With regard to paragraphs (f) and
(g) of this Article the United Kingdom reserves the right to continue to apply
its law relating to sexual offences and prostitution; this reservation will
apply equally to any future law which may modify or replace it.

"Article 9

The British Nationality Act 1981, which
was brought into force with effect from January 1983, is based on principles
which do not allow of any discrimination against women within the meaning of
Article 1 as regards acquisition, change or retention of their nationality or
as regards the nationality of their children. The United Kingdom's acceptance
of Article 9 shall not, how ever, be taken to invalidate the continuation of
certain temporary or transitional provisions which will continue in force
beyond that date.

"The United Kingdom reserves the
right to take such steps as may be necessary to comply with its obligations
under Article 2 of the First Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms signed at Paris on 20 March 1952 and its
obligations under paragraph 3 of Article 13 of the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights opened for signature at New York on 19
December 1966, to the extent that the said provisions preserve the freedom of
parental choice in respect of the education of children; and reserves also the
right not to take any measures which may conflict with its obligation under
paragraph 4 of Article 13 of the said Covenant not to interfere with the
liberty of individuals and bodies to establish and direct educational
institutions, subject to the observation of certain principles and
standards.

Moreover, the United Kingdom can only
accept the obligations under paragraph (c) of Article 10 within the limits of
the statutory powers of central Government, in the light of the fact that the
teaching curriculum, the provision of textbooks and teaching methods are
reserved for local control and are not subject to central Government direction;
moreover, the acceptance of the objective of encouraging coeducation is without
prejudice to the right of the United Kingdom also to encourage other types of
education.

"Article 11

The United Kingdom interprets the
"right to work" referred to in paragraph 1 (a) as a reference to the
"right to work" as defined in other human rights instruments to which
the United Kingdom is a party, notably Article 6 of the International Covenant
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 19 December 1966.

"The United Kingdom interprets
paragraph 1 of Article 11, in the light of the provisions of paragraph 2 of
Article 4, as not precluding prohibitions, restrictions or conditions on the
employment of women in certain areas, or on the work done by them, where this
is considered necessary or desirable to protect the health and safety of women
or the human foetus, including such prohibitions, restrictions or conditions
imposed in consequence of other international obligations of the United
Kingdom; The United Kingdom declare that, in the event of a conflict between
obligations under the prsent Convention and its obligations under the
Convention concerning teh emplyoment of wmeon on underground work in mines of
all kinds (ILO Convention No. 45), the proviisions of the last mentioned
Convention shall prevail.

"The United Kingdom reserves the
right to apply all United Kingdom legislation and the rules of pension schemes
affecting retirement pensions, survivors' benefits and other benefits in
relation to death or retirement (including retirement on grounds of
redundancy), whether or not derived from a Social Security scheme.

"This reservation will apply equally
to any future legislation which may modify or replace such legislation, or the
rules of pension schemes, on the understanding that the terms of such
legislation will be compatible with the United Kingdom's obligations under the
Convention.

"The United Kingdom reserves the
right to apply the following provisions of United Kingdom legislation
concerning the benefits specified:

a) social security benefits for persons
engaged in caring for a severely disabled person under section 37 of the Social
Security Act 1975 and section 37 of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Act
1975;

b) increases of benefits for adult
dependants under sections 44 to 47, 49 and 66 of the Social Security Act 1975
and under sections 44 to 47, 49 and 66 of the Social Security (Northern Ireland)
Act 1975;

c) retirement pensions and survivors'
benefits under the Social Security Acts 1975 to 1982 and the Social Security
(Northern Ireland) Acts 1975 to 1982;

d) family income supplements under the
Family Income Supplements Act 1970 and the Family Income Supplements Act
(Northern Ireland) 1971.

"This reservation will apply equally
to any future legislation which may modify or replace any of the provisions
specified in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) above, on the understanding that the
terms of such legislation will be compatible with the United Kingdom's ob
ligations under the Convention.

The United Kingdom reserves the right to
apply any non-discriminatory requirement for a qualifying period of employment
or insurance for the application of the provisions contained in
Article 11 (2).

"Article 13

The United Kingdom reserves the right,
notwithstanding the obligations undertaken in Article 13, or any other relevant
article of the Convention, to continue to apply the income tax and capital
gains tax legislation which:

i) Deems for income tax purposes the
income of a married woman living with her husband in a year, or part of a year,
of assessment to be her husband's income and not to be her income (subject to
the right of the husband and the wife to elect jointly that the wife's earned
income shall be charged to income tax as if she were a single woman with no
other income); and

ii) Requires tax in respect of such
income and of chargeable gains accruing to such a married woman to be assessed
on her husband (subject to the right of either of them to apply for separate
assessment) and consequently (if no such application is made) restricts to her
husband the right to appeal against any such assessment and to be heard or to
be represented at the hearing of any such appeal; and

iii) Entitles a man who has his wife
living with him, or whose wife is wholly maintained by him, during the year of
assessment to a deduction from his total income of an amount larger than that
to which an individual in any other case is entitled and entitles an individual
whose total income includes any earned income of his wife to have that
deduction increased by the amount of that earned income or by an amount
specified in the legislation whichever is the less.

"Article 15

"In relation to Article 15,
paragraph 2, the United Kingdom understands the term 'legal capacity' as
referring merely to the existence of a separate and distinct legal
personality.

"In relation to Article 15,
paragraph 3, the United Kingdom understands the intention of this provision to
be that only those terms or elements of a contract or other private instrument
which are discriminatory in the sense described are to be deemed null and void,
but not necessarily the contract or instrument as a whole.

"Article 16

As regards sub-paragraph 1 (f) of Article
16, the United Kingdom does not regard the reference to the paramountcy of the
interests of the children as being directly relevant to the elimination of
discrimination against women, and declares in this connection that the
legislation of the United Kingdom regulating adoption, while giving a principal
position to the promotion of the children's welfare, does not give to the
child's interests the same paramount place as in issues concerning custody over
children.

"The United Kingdom' acceptance of
paragraph 1 of Article 16 shall not be treated as either limiting the freedom
of a person to dispose of his property as he wishes or as giving a person a
right to property the subject of such limitation.

"B. On behalf of the Isle of Man,
the British Virgin Islands, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South
Sandwich Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands:

[Same reservations as the one made on
behalf of the United Kingdom under paragraphs A (a), (c), and (d) except that
in the of case d) it applies to the territories and their laws).]

Article 1

[Same reservation as the one made in
respect of the United Kingdom except with regard to the absence of a reference
to United Kingdom legislation.]

Article 2

[Same reservation as the one made in
respect of the United Kingdom except that reference is made to the laws of the
territories, and not the laws of the United Kingdom.]

Article 9

[Same reservation as the one made in
respect of the United Kingdom.]

Article 11

[Same reservation as those made in
respect of the United Kingdom except that a reference is made to the laws of
the territories, and not to the laws of the United Kingdom.]

"Also, as far as the territories are
concerned, the specific benefits listed and which may be applied under the
provisions of these territories' legislation are as follows:

a) social security benefits for persons
engaged in caring for a severely disabled person;

b) increases of benefit for adult
dependants;

c) retirement pensions and survivors'
benefits;

d) family income supplements.

"This reservation will apply equally
to any future legislation which may modify or replace any of the provisions
specified in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) above, on the understanding that the
terms of such legislation will be compatible with the United Kingdom's
obligations under the Convention.

"The United Kingdom reserves the
right to apply any non-discriminatory requirement for a qualifying period of
employment or insurance for the application of the provisions contained in
Article 11 (2).

Article 13, 15 and 16

[Same reservations as those made on
behalf the United Kingdom.]

On 4 January 1995, the Government of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland notified the
Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw the following declaration and
reservation made upon ratification:

Declaration:

"... the United Kingdom declares
that, in the event of a conflict between obligations under the present
Convention and its obligations under the Convention concerning the employment
of women on underground work in mines of all kinds (ILO Convention No. 45), the
provisions of the last mentioned Convention shall prevail."

Reservation:

"Article 13

The United Kingdom reserves the right,
notwithstanding the obligations undertaken in Article 13, or any other relevant
article of the Convention, to continue to apply the income tax and capital
gains tax legislation which:

i) deems for income tax purposes the
income of a married woman living with her husband in a year, or part of a year,
of assessment to be her husband's income and not to be her income (subject to
the right of the husband and the wife to elect jointly that the wife's earned
income shall be charged to income tax as if she were a single woman with no
other income); and

ii) requires tax in respect of such
income and of chargeable gains accruing to such a married woman to be assessed
on her husband (subject to the right of either of them to apply for separate
assessment) and consequently (if no such application is made) restricts to her
husband the right to appeal against any such assessment and to be heard or to
be represented at the hearing of any such appeal; and

iii) entitles a man who has his wife
living with him, or whose wife is wholly maintained by him, during the year of
assessment to a deduction from his total income of an amount larger than that
to which an individual in any other case is entitled and entitles an individual
whose total income includes any earned income of his wife to have that
deduction increased by the amount of that earned income or by an amount
specified in the legislation whichever is the less.

Further, on 22 March 1996, the Government
of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland notified the
Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw the following reservations
and declarations made upon ratification:

"(b) The United Kingdom reserves the
right to regard the provisions of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the
Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978, the Employment Act 1980, the
Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, the Industrial Relations (No.
2) (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, the Industrial Relations (Northern Ireland)
Order 1982, the Equal Pay Act 1970 (as amended) and the Equal Pay Act (Northern
Ireland) 1970 (as amended), including the exceptions and exemptions contained
in any of these Acts and Orders, as constituting appropriate measures for the
practical realisation of the objectives of the Convention in the social and
economic circumstances of the United Kingdom, and to continue to apply these
provisions accordingly; this reservation will apply equally to any future
legislation which may modify or replace the above Acts and Orders on the
understanding that the terms of such legislation will be compatible with the
United Kingdom's obligations under the Convention."

"Article 1

With reference to the provisions of the
Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and other applicable legislation, the United
Kingdom's acceptance of Article 1 is subject to the reservation that the phrase
"irrespective of their marital status" shall not be taken to render
discriminatory any difference of treatment accorded to single persons as
against married persons, so long as there is equality of treatment as between
married men and married women and as between single men and single
women."

"Article 2

In the light of the substantial progress
already achieved in the United Kingdom in promoting the progressive elimination
of discrimination against women, the United Kingdom reserves the right, without
prejudice to the other reservations made by the United Kingdom, to give effect
to paragraphs (f) and (g) by keeping under review such of its laws and
regulations as may still embody significant differences in treatment between
men and women with a view to making changes to those laws and regulations when
to do so would be compatible with essential and overriding considerations of
economic policy. In relation to forms of discrimination more precisely
prohibited by other provisions of the Convention, the obligations under this
Article must (in the case of the United Kingdom) be read in conjunction with
the other reservations and declarations made in respect of those provisions
including the declarations and reservations of the United Kingdom contained in
paragraphs (a) - (d) above.

"With regard to paragraphs (f) and
(g) of this Article the United Kingdom reserves the right to continue to apply
its law relating to sexual offences and prostitution; this reservation will
apply equally to any future law which may modify or replace it."

"Article 9

.....

"The United Kingdom reserves the
right to take such steps as may be necessary to comply with its obligations
under Article 2 of the First Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms signed at Paris on 20 March 1952 and its
obligations under paragraph 3 of Article 13 of the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights opened for signature at New York on 19
December 1966, to the extent that the said provisions preserve the freedom of
parental choice in respect of the education of children; and reserves also the
right not to take any measures which may conflict with its obligation under
paragraph 4 of Article 13 of the said Covenant not to interfere with the
liberty of individuals and bodies to establish and direct educational
institutions, subject to the observation of certain principles and
standards."

"Moreover, the United Kingdom can
only accept the obligations under paragraph (c) of Article 10 within the limits
of the statutory powers of central Government, in the light of the fact that
the teaching curriculum, the provision of textbooks and teaching methods are
reserved for local control and are not subject to central Government direction;
moreover, the acceptance of the objective of encouraging coeducation is without
prejudice to the right of the United Kingdom also to encourage other types of
education."

"Article 11

The United Kingdom interprets the
"right to work" referred to in paragraph 1 (a) as a reference to the
"right to work" as defined in other human rights instruments to which
the United Kingdom is a party, notably Article 6 of the International Covenant
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 19 December 1966.

"The United Kingdom interprets
paragraph 1 of Article 11, in the light of the provisions of paragraph 2 of
Article 4, as not precluding prohibitions, restrictions or conditions on the
employment of women in certain areas, or on the work done by them, where this
is considered necessary or desirable to protect the health and safety of women
or the human foetus, including such prohibitions, restrictions or conditions
imposed in consequence of other international obligations of the United
Kingdom;

"The United Kingdom reserves the
right to apply the following provisions of United Kingdom legislation
concerning the benefits specified:

a) social security benefits for persons
engaged in caring for a severely disabled person under section 37 of the Social
Security Act 1975 and section 37 of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Act
1975;

.....

c) retirement pensions and survivors'
benefits under the Social Security Acts 1975 to 1982 and the Social Security
(Northern Ireland) Acts 1975 to 1982;

d) family income supplements under the
Family Income Supplements Act 1970 and the Family Income Supplements Act
(Northern Ireland) 1971.

"This reservation will apply equally
to any future legislation which may modify or replace any of the provisions
specified in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) above, on the understanding that the
terms of such legislation will be compatible with the United Kingdom's ob
ligations under the Convention."

"Article 15

In relation to Article 15, paragraph 2, the
United Kingdom understands the term "legal capacity" as referring
merely to the existence of a separate and distinct legal personality."

.....

"Article 16

.....

The United Kingdom's acceptance of
paragraph 1 of Article 16 shall not be treated as either limiting the freedom
of a person to dispose of his property as he wishes or as giving a person a
right to property the subject of such a limitation."

By the same communication, the Government
of the United Kingdom also informed the Secretary-General "for the
avoidance of doubt, that the declarations and reservations entered in respect
of the dependent territories on behalf of which the Convention was also
ratified on 7 April 1986 continue to apply, but are under active
review".

The complete text of the declarations and
reservations are published in United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1423, p.
412.

Subsequently, on 6 June 2005, the
Government of the United Kingdom notified the Secretary-General of the
following:

"..... The Government of the United
Kingdom wish to withdraw from paragraph A c) of that reservation the words:

"To the admission into or service in
the Armed Forces of the Crown"

and to substitute the words:

"Any act done for the purpose of
ensuring the combat effectiveness of the Armed Forces of the Crown."

So that Paragraph A c) of the United
Kingdom's reservation will then read

"In the light of the definition
contained in Article 1, the United Kingdom's ratification is subject to the
understanding that none of its obligations under the Convention shall be
treated as extending to the succession to, or possession and enjoyment of, the
Throne, the peerage, titles of honour, social precedence or armorial bearings,
or as extending to the affairs of religious denominations or orders or any act
done for the purpose of ensuring the combat effectiveness of the Armed Forces
of the Crown."